New $6.4-billion US-Canada cable-stayed bridge: What you need to know

This massive infrastructure project, known as the Gordie Howe International Bridge, is set to transform North America.

It will link up the busiest segment of the US-Canada border, connecting Detroit, Michigan, and Windsor, Ontario.

Once completed, it will be one of the longest cable-stayed bridges in North America.

This new bridge is one of region's largest and most ambitious construction projects, with a price tag of $6.4 billion.

Game-changer

When it opens, expected late this 2024, project proponents say it will be a game-changer for trade, travel, and security between the two nations.

The Windsor-Detroit border is one of the most critical trade corridors between the United States and Canada, handling nearly one-third of all trade between the two countries.

For years, the Ambassador Bridge (construction started in 1927) has been the primary connection between the two cities.

As traffic volumes increased, it became clear that a second crossing was necessary to reduce congestion, improve efficiency, and boost trade capacity.

Talks about a new bridge began as early as the 2000s, with both Canadian and US officials recognising the growing need for a modern, reliable infrastructure.

In 2008, the Detroit River International Crossing (DRIC) study was launched to identify the best location for the new bridge.

Planning, approval

The formal planning and approval process for the Gordie Howe Bridge took years to navigate due to legal disputes, financial challenges, and political opposition.

However, in June 2012, a major breakthrough occurred when the Canadian government and the state of Michigan signed an agreement for the bridge’s construction.

Public-private partnership

Canada agreed to cover Michigan’s portion of the costs through a public-private partnership.

The bridge was officially named the Gordie Howe International Bridge in May 2015 to honor the Canadian hockey icon known for his ties to both Canada and Detroit.

Construction finally began in September 2018.

The project is managed by the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA), with the Bridging North America consortium responsible for designing, building, financing, and maintaining the bridge.

Progress, challenges

Construction has progressed steadily since 2019, despite facing several challenges, including legal disputes, environmental concerns, political resistance, and the global COVID-19 pandemic.

Between 2021 and 2023, major milestones were achieved, including the construction of the bridge towers on both sides of the Detroit River. These towers now dominate the skyline, and the cables required for the bridge’s cable-stayed design are being installed.

One of the most significant moments occurred on June 16, 2024, when ironworkers on the project celebrated with a “Topping Out” ceremony.

Good luck

This traditional event, which involves placing an evergreen tree on the topmost part of a structure, is a symbol of good luck and signifies that the bridge has reached its full height.

The bridge's deck was connected in July. The entire project slated for completion by late 2024.

Key features

Cable-stayed bridges use a series of cables attached to towers to support the bridge deck, providing both strength and flexibility.

The link will provide six lanes of traffic—three in each direction—accommodating both passenger vehicles and commercial trucks. 

In addition to the bridge itself, the project includes extensive infrastructure improvements on both sides of the border, including new customs and inspection facilities.

These enhancements will streamline cross-border traffic and improve security, making it easier for goods and people to move between the two countries.

Impact

Once operational, the bridge is expected to have a significant positive impact on trade and travel between the United States and Canada. The current reliance on the aging Ambassador Bridge has led to traffic bottlenecks and delays, particularly for commercial vehicles transporting goods across the border.

The new bridge will provide a much-needed alternative route, easing congestion and reducing transit times.

The bridge is also designed to enhance security by providing modern, state-of-the-art customs facilities on both sides of the border. This will help improve the flow of goods and services while maintaining the highest security standards.

Opposition

Like any large infrastructure project, the Gordie Howe Bridge has not been without its critics.

Some opposition has come from the owners of the Ambassador Bridge, who have argued that the new bridge is unnecessary and could hurt their business. Environmental groups have also raised concerns about the impact of construction on local ecosystems.

Despite these challenges, the project has received broad support from both the U.S. and Canadian governments, which see it as essential for strengthening economic ties between the two countries. The bridge remains a priority for both nations, especially as North American trade continues to grow.

Looking ahead

As the Gordie Howe International Bridge nears completion, it promises to reshape the landscape of cross-border trade and travel between the US and Canada.

With an expected opening late this year, it will provide much-needed capacity for both passenger and commercial vehicles, enhancing connectivity between two major economic hubs.

Ultimately, the Gordie Howe Bridge will stand as a testament to the enduring partnership between the United States and Canada, providing a modern, efficient, and secure gateway for future generations.

BY THE NUMBERS:

853 meters (2,799 feet): Length of the main span between the two towers.

191 meters (627 feet): Height of the bridge towers on either side, making them taller than the nearby GM Renaissance Center in Detroit.

Lanes & Traffic Capacity:

6 lanes: The bridge will have three lanes of traffic in each direction for passenger vehicles and commercial trucks.

Customs and Border Processing:

5.3 million square feet (500,000 sqm): The combined size of the customs and inspection facilities on both the U.S. and Canadian sides, making it the largest port-of-entry facility along the U.S.-Canada border.

US Port of Entry: Includes 36 inspection booths for passenger vehicles and 12 for commercial trucks.

Canadian Port of Entry: Includes 24 inspection booths for passenger vehicles and 10 for commercial trucks.

Tolls:

The bridge will be tolled, but toll rates will be competitive with the Ambassador Bridge. Exact toll rates are yet to be determined.

The uunder-construction Gordie Howe International Bridge is a cable-stayed bridge that uses a series of cables attached to towers to support the bridge deck, providing both strength and flexibility. The bridge is anticipated to open in late 2024.

The bridge is anticipated to open in late 2024