Preparatory activities are underway on the US side of the project and include utility relocation, survey work and preliminary site investigation. As well, Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), continues with property acquisition, demolition and site remediation.
Clearance Activities
Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA), in partnership with the state of Michigan, is working to prepare the US Port of Entry (POE). Through funds provided by Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA), the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is acquiring the Michigan properties required to build the US POE and the bridge footings. Prior to any property demolition, a preliminary site investigation (PSI) is completed. This includes the collection of soil samples for environmental testing. MDOT and its partners work to ensure all demolitions are competed safely with minimized disruption to the community and are in accordance with local, state and federal guidelines.
Utility Relocation
MDOT is working with utility companies to identify the utilities located within the land required for the US POE, the bridge footings and Michigan interchange and which must be relocated. Relocation designs and schedules have commenced with many local utilities and some of these relocations are already complete.
WDBA and MDOT are working with the utilities, partner agencies and other stakeholders to prioritize which utilities can be relocated first to help expedite the construction schedule for the Gordie Howe International Bridge project. Utility relocation work will occur with no anticipated service interruptions. All utility relocation work must comply with municipal guidelines and procedures for notifications, hours of work, noise and disposal of materials as outlined in the permitting documents.
Tree Clearing
Starting March 19, 2018, MDOT contractors will be starting tree removal activities on lands already acquired for the site of the US Port of Entry. The removal of trees in this area is required for future construction to take place. An extensive tree survey for the footprint of the US Port of Entry was carried out to identify opportunities to preserve existing trees in advance of proceeding with removal.
The removal of the trees will be completed within ten weeks. Additional removal work will take place beyond May 31, 2018, on properties that are acquired after that date.
City of Detroit – Bridging Neighborhoods
WDBA works closely with many partners to move the project forward, including the City of Detroit and the City of Windsor as the host communities. The City of Detroit has launched the “Bridging Neighborhoods” program, an optional home swap or renovation program for residents living near the site of the Gordie Howe International Bridge US Port of Entry. WDBA applauds the City of Detroit for investing in the Delray community to address the unique concerns of this neighbourhood. For information on Bridging Neighborhoods, please visit bridgingneighborhoods.org.