Video: Gordie Howe Bridge project connects main span
Construction crews successfully connect bridge’s main span, marking a historic moment for this major infrastructure project
The Gordie Howe International Bridge, a 2.5 km cable-stayed bridge spanning the Detroit River between Windsor, Ontario, Canada, and Detroit, Michigan, US has achieved a significant milestone, with construction crews successfully connecting the bridge’s main span, marking a historic moment for this major infrastructure project.
The connection was celebrated with a customary topping-out ceremony, where ironworkers and operating engineers from both nations marked the event with a handshake between their union locals.
The milestone was made possible by the efforts of thousands of workers over several years, according to Canadian contractor Aecon, who are delivering the project.
"At the final point, we were within a few millimetres of where we were expecting to be. Given the magnitude of this construction site, talking about millimetres was very rewarding," said Jaime Castro-Maier, lead engineer, Aecon.
Project scope and challenges
The bridge, set to be the longest cable-stayed bridge in North America, is part of a US$5 billion (£3.87 billion) project overseen by the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA). Despite facing challenges, including cost overruns of over $500 million (£387 million) and a delay of 10 months, the project is on track for completion in September 2025.
"After a three-year pandemic and considering the size and complexity of the Gordie Howe International Bridge project, our project team is pleased that the impact to the construction schedule is limited," said Charl van Niekerk, CEO, WDBA.
Construction elements
Construction of the bridge deck began in December 2022 with two segments extending from opposite river banks. The process was meticulous and involved installing deep piles driven into the ground to provide stability, which were then used to support the massive concrete piers that rise above the water.
The deck was built segment by segment, with pre-cast concrete sections being lifted into place. Each segment had to be precisely aligned and connected. By the end of May 2024, the last concrete slabs for both the Canadian and US sides were in place, leaving only 11m to connect.
The final segment, known as a mid-span closure, was custom-built and installed over six weeks. This involved carefully positioning and securing the final concrete elements to close the gap between the two sides of the bridge deck.
Remaining work
While the main span is now connected, substantial work remains. The project team is focusing on re-stressing stay cables, post-tensioning the deck, and installing electrical and drainage systems. Additionally, they will complete road barriers, signage, lighting, and deck paving. There are also plans to finish the multi-use pedestrian and bicycle path. Concurrently, the 130-acre Canadian Port of Entry and the 167-acre U.S. Port of Entry will be completed, creating the first new border crossing between Canada and the U.S. in over 60 years.
The project has been recognised with the Envision Platinum award from the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure, highlighting its commitment to sustainability. Additionally, it includes a robust community benefits program aimed at advancing economic, social, and environmental conditions for local communities.
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