DETROIT – We’re taking a look back at 2023, when we had an inside look at the progress of the construction of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, connecting Detroit and Canada.
Construction on the bridge broke ground back in July of 2018. The bridge was initially on track to open at some point in 2025, but is now opening on Monday, July 27.
The Gordie Howe International Bridge is the second bridge connecting Detroit with Windsor. The Ambassador Bridge opened in 1929.
When we interviewed the construction crews in 2023, they were focused on finishing the road deck before the bridge deck work began.
“Substantial work was completed on the road deck before bridge deck work began on the Canadian and US sides. Construction of the bridge and road decks occurs as crews continue to build up the massive towers located on both shores of the Detroit River, set to reach a final height of 722 feet later this year.”
“This work was underway as construction began on the main span over the Detroit River. Starting from the towers in Windsor and Detroit, the bridge deck is built outward toward the center of the river, one segment at a time using a crane on the deck, eventually meeting in the middle. Construction materials and equipment are transported over the back span to the construction zone, eliminating the need for equipment to operate from the water.”
(You can read more about the progress here)
Watch Rod Meloni’s full inside look at progress at the bridge when it was under construction in the video player below.