The Gordie Howe International Bridge on the Detroit River is nearly ready to open in 2025. After nearly four years of construction, this bridge will be the longest suspension bridge in North America with a main span of 853 meters. Designed by AECOM architect Erik Behrens in collaboration with several organizations, including the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority, Dragados, Fluor, and Aeco, this bridge is set to become the 10th longest suspension bridge in the world.
The tower base of the Gordie Howe International Bridge is designed to resemble the curve of a puck, and it will be an additional route connecting the US and Canada. Currently, 27 bridge deck segments have been installed above the Detroit River, leaving only a small gap connecting Windsor, Ontario with Detroit, Michigan. The final sections of the bridge deck are being gradually added and will be carefully installed over the next few weeks.
The bridge features two towers with a height of 220 meters and an arrangement of 216 cables spread out in a fan shape to support the bridge deck across the river. While engineers have completed most of their work on structural completion for six lanes of bridges deck installation they still need to properly tension cable car install pavement barriers multi-use paths for cyclists pedestrians and an electrical system before it can open to traffic in 2025.
This new international crossing will not only provide an additional route for commuters traveling between Windsor and Detroit but also bring economic benefits to both cities through increased trade and tourism.