Windsor, Ontario • On July 1, 2021, the Gordie Howe International Bridge team marked 1000 days since the start of construction and are celebrating the determination, commitment and hard work of staff, contractors, labourers and suppliers contributing to the progress achieved on all four components of the Gordie Howe International Bridge project.
Progress over the past 1000 days notably includes near completion of all design work; earthworks, utility work, the start of building construction and the completion of the Perimeter Access Road at the Canadian Port of Entry (POE); earthworks and utility work at the US POE; demolition and start of reconstruction of three road bridges as part of the Michigan Interchange; and completion of the tower foundations and the start of construction of the bridge towers.
Construction activities are undertaken while limiting any potential adverse effects on the natural environment, cultural resources, and neighbouring residents and businesses. As well, a robust health and safety regime is followed to ensure workers are safe on the job site. On June 25, 2021, Bridging North America (BNA) and their subcontractors celebrated three million hours of work without a lost time injury. A lost time injury, also known as an LTI, is an important key safety indicator for any construction project. This is in addition to the safety precautions put in place to protect against the spread of COVID-19.
Over the past two and a half years, more than 145 local business in Windsor-Essex and Detroit have been engaged by BNA and more than 3,900 workers, 46 per cent of which are local, have been oriented to the project. The coming years are expected to be among the busiest times of construction on the project.
Community members are a vital part of the project and they are invited to celebrate along with the project team. Free commemorative ball caps are available for order, while supplies last. Instructions on how to order a ball cap are available on the project website at www.GordieHoweInternationalBridge.com.
QUOTES
“Congratulations to Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority and Bridging North America on the considerable progress made for this once-in-a-generation bridge, in collaboration with our American partners. As one of Canada’s most significant infrastructure projects, the Gordie Howe International Bridge is creating thousands of jobs and driving economic activity today and will serve as an important trade corridor for Canada and the U.S. once complete and for generations to come. Congratulations on this important milestone.”
– The Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
“It is awe inspiring to watch this project take shape and further enhance one of the longest binational trade relationships in history. I am committed to creating jobs by rebuilding Michigan’s vital transportation network, and the Gordie Howe International Bridge dovetails nicely with that goal. The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is demonstrating on this project like so many others across the state why they are leaders in project management and oversight. As we mark this milestone, I thank MDOT employees and our Canadian partners for their ongoing collaboration on this important economic advancement.”
– Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer
“Reaching the mark of 1000 days of construction gives us an opportunity to reflect on where we have been and what we have accomplished but also look ahead. As I see the tower legs now rising from the ground I think back to standing at that same location at the start of construction and I am filled with the same feelings of inspiration and drive, feelings that are shared by all of us who have the privilege of working on this great project.”
– Bryce Phillips, CEO, Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority
“Bridging North America takes great pride in the work and safety record that has been accomplished over the past one thousand days of construction. As the project components continue to go up, it further ignites the excitement on the team for being part of this once-in-a-generation mega project. BNA looks forward to continuing our momentum.”
– Michael Hatchell, CEO, Bridging North America
QUICK FACTS
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Official construction of the $5.7 billion (CDN) Gordie Howe International Bridge project began on October 5, 2018.
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The Gordie Howe International Bridge project includes the construction of a six-lane, cable- stayed design bridge with a clear span of 853 metres (0.53 miles) and a total length of approximately 2.5 kilometres (1.5 miles). It also includes new Canadian and US Ports of Entry and an interchange in Michigan connecting Interstate 75.
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Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority and Bridging North America continue to work toward a 2024 opening date.
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In addition to construction, the project team has made significant progress on the delivery of the Gordie Howe International Bridge Community Benefits Plan and sustainability activities.
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ABOUT WINDSOR-DETROIT BRIDGE AUTHORITY
Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA) is a 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.
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Gordie Howe International Bridge
Media Relations Team
226-757-1716
