News Release
Design Selected for Michigan Interchange Pedestrian Bridges
Detroit, Michigan • The Gordie Howe International Bridge team announced today that following several months of consultation with the community, an aesthetic design has been selected for the five pedestrian bridges to be constructed as part of the Michigan Interchange work being completed for the Gordie Howe International Bridge project.
The pedestrian bridge design is both functional and visually-pleasing. The design features a curved steel arch and will be constructed of pre-cast concrete. The bridges will include lighting features and will be compliant with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards.
The pedestrian bridges will be located over Interstate 75 (I-75) in Detroit at Solvay Street, Beard Street, Waterman Street, Junction Street and Lansing Street. Bridging North America will undertake construction of these pedestrian bridges between 2020 and 2024.
The Gordie Howe International Bridge project is expected to be in service by the end of 2024.
Quotes
“This project is good for the Detroit community, our economy, and for the countless people who will use these new pedestrian bridges to get where they need to go, When working on this project, it’s crucial that we put Detroiters’ well-being first, and that’s exactly what we’ve done here today. I’m proud to take part in this announcement and am eager to continue working with these partners on the Gordie Howe International Bridge project.”
- Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer
“The design of the pedestrian bridges is a result of meaningful consultation with the community and other stakeholders. The voices of community members have helped shape the project since early planning days and we will continue to engage and consult as the project progresses through construction and into the operations phase.”
- Bryce Phillips, CEO, Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority
“The new pedestrian bridges will improve access to neighborhoods, businesses and service providers on both sides of I-75. We also see them serving as conduits for bicyclists and other recreation-seekers headed for the US Port of Entry and, ultimately, the multi-use path on the bridge.”
- Aaron Epstein, CEO, Bridging North America
“Providing connectivity and access for all is vital to our mission. In addition to myriad economic and trade benefits offered by the Gordie Howe International Bridge, the project will enhance quality of life in the neighborhoods as bridges over I-75 are rebuilt to feature modern crossings for pedestrians and cyclists. This continues MDOT’s goal to support mobility for all users, much like we have done with the nearby Gateway project and Bagley Avenue pedestrian bridge, which unites Mexicantown.”
- Paul C. Ajegba, Director, Michigan Department of Transportation
“Since I first took office in 2015, it has been a great honor to work collaboratively with Delray and Southwest Detroit residents, the state, the city, and the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority on community benefits and quality of life issues related to the Gordie Howe International Bridge. Today’s announcement is another step forward for the project and for infrastructure improvements in Southwest Detroit, resulting from long-term partnerships and community engagement.”
- Michigan Senator Stephanie Chang
Quick Facts
- Over 500 votes were cast during the three-month consultation period with the community’s preferred design receiving 48 per cent of the vote.
- The pedestrian bridges will provide for a 10-foot wide walkway. At its highest point, the arch will be approximately 33 feet in height from the roadway.
- Community feedback has helped inform the aesthetics of the pedestrian bridges. The community will continue to be engaged throughout the planning and construction of the Michigan Interchange.
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About Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority
Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA) is a not-for-profit Canadian Crown corporation created to deliver the Gordie Howe International Bridge project between Windsor, ON and Detroit, MI through a public-private partnership (P3). WDBA is responsible for overseeing and managing the construction and operation of the new crossing. For more information visit www.GordieHoweInternationalBridge.com and follow the project on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GordieHoweBrg.
About Bridging North America
Bridging North America (BNA) became the private-sector partner to design, build, finance, operate and maintain the Gordie Howe International Bridge project in September 2018. BNA is comprised of some of the most recognized leaders in the construction and infrastructure industry which includes North American and international companies. BNA partners have significant experience carrying out major infrastructure projects such as the Rt. Hon. Herb Gray Parkway in Windsor, Ontario; New Champlain Bridge Corridor in Montreal, Quebec; Autoroute 30 in Montreal, Quebec; Eglinton Crosstown LRT in Toronto, Ontario; Réseau Express Métropolitain (REM) in Montreal, Quebec; Automated People Mover at LAX Airport, California; Harbor Bridge, Corpus Christi, Texas; Tappan Zee Bridge in New York and San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge, California.
About Michigan Department of Transportation
The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is responsible for Michigan's 9,669-mile state highway system, comprised of all M, I, and US routes. MDOT also administers other state and federal transportation programs for aviation, intercity passenger services, rail freight, local public transit services, the Transportation Economic Development Fund (TEDF), and others. MDOT works directly with WDBA on the US components of the Gordie Howe International Bridge project.
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Gordie Howe International Bridge
Media Relations Team
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