News Release
Work on the Gordie Howe International Bridge project progresses with millions of dollars in contract awards
WINDSOR, ONTARIO – Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA) and its partners are kicking off the 2017 construction season with Phase Two of the Preparatory Activities at the Canadian Port of Entry (POE). Three contracts have been awarded for High Voltage Cabling and accessories, transmission and distribution line relocation works totaling approximately $86 million.
The contracts have been awarded to Prysmian Cables and Systems Canada Ltd. for cable and accessories; Valard Construction LP for transmission lines relocations; and AMS, a joint venture of Amico Infrastructures Inc. and Mid-South Contractors Ltd. for distribution line relocation. The utility relocations as part of this work will focus on the Hydro One power corridor that supports Ontario’s power grid.
The site of the future Canadian POE contains overhead lines that need to be relocated. Many of these overhead lines will be moved underground and some connected onto new transmission towers. Through these contracts, these overhead lines will be relocated underground and the manufactured cables placed in concrete-encased duct banks.
In addition to working closely with Hydro One, WDBA will work with West Windsor Power to relocate high-voltage transmission lines that are being impacted by the project.
Undertaking this work at this time will ensure that the Canadian POE site will be ready for the private-sector partner chosen to build the Gordie Howe International Bridge project.
Quotes
“The second stage of preparatory works is another step in delivering Canadian and US sites that are ready for construction to our eventual private-sector partner. The more work we complete now, the more quickly our partner will be able to begin construction after financial close.”
Michael Cautillo, President and Chief Executive Officer, Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority
“Hydro One is proud to be a part of this transformative project. Working with the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority to make the new bridge a reality for Canadian and American businesses and travelers is a top priority.”
Mayo Schmidt, President and Chief Executive Officer, Hydro One Limited and Hydro One Inc.
For more information visit www.gordiehoweinternationalbridge.com.
Quick Facts
- The first phase of preparatory activities, known as Early Works, focused on fill placement, construction of a perimeter access road (PAR) and minor utility relocations at the Canadian POE. Some related activities continue to be undertaken.
- It is anticipated that Phase Two activities will be completed in mid-2018.
- In January 2017, WDBA in partnership with Hydro One, raised the last of three new transmission towers at the Canadian POE. The new towers replace nine towers which are no longer needed as the cables they supported will now be relocated underground.
Quick Links
To see a video of the construction of a transmission tower at the Canadian POE visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NZ0ulFb2ZQ.
To see photos of construction activities related to the Gordie Howe International Bridge project, visit www.instagram.com/gordiehowebrg.
About the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority
Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA) is a not-for-profit Canadian Crown corporation managing the procurement process for the design, construction, financing, operation and maintenance of the new Gordie Howe International Bridge between Windsor, Ontario and Detroit, Michigan through a public-private partnership (P3). WDBA is also responsible for project oversight. For more information on WDBA visit www.gordiehoweinternationalbridge.com and follow WDBA on Twitter at twitter.com/GordieHoweBrg.
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For more information, contact:
Mark Butler
519-946-4859
