The Gordie Howe International Bridge, which connects Windsor and Detroit, will be accessible starting in September and will add six lanes of traffic to cross the country’s busiest border region.
According to the Canadian government, this is the binational infrastructure project the largest
et the most ambitious
made on the border of Canada and the United States.
Significant benefits are expected for tourism and the economy of Southwestern Ontario. The infrastructure, whose clear span area will be the longest of any cable-stayed bridge in North America, will also help improve Windsor’s image, officials in both sectors believe.
Open in full screen mode
The clear span area of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, i.e. the portion of the deck between two pillars, is 853 meters. (Archive photo)
Photo : @GordieHoweBrg/Twitter
Ils [les Américains] come here in large numbers. We will have new options to make available to them. This will help reduce delays at the border
estimates the CEO of Windsor-Essex Tourism, Gordon Orr.
The 3rd road link (New window) between Windsor and Michigan will undoubtedly produce significant economic benefits in the region, he believes.
This underscores our two-nation destination concept of promoting the Detroit-Windsor brand, and it will certainly help increase our awareness.
Open in full screen mode
“We are excited about this new opportunity, this new connection,” says Mr. Orr.
Photo: Gordon Orr on X
Mr Orr says the region welcomed more than 5 million visitors last year. They spent more than $800 million, he says.
An improved image of Windsor
The commissioning of the Gordie Howe Bridge is expected to have a significant impact on local businesses, both retail and manufacturing, believes the CEO of the Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce, Tony Haddad.
The Gordie Howe International Bridge by the numbers
- More than 2200 days of construction
- Creation of 2,500 jobs
- Length of 2.5 km
- 20,000 m3 of concrete to build the two towers
We expect increased traffic as well as a faster route for moving goods and parts between the two markets of Windsor-Essex and the Detroit-Michigan area
says Mr. Haddad.
Open in full screen mode
The CEO of the Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce believes that the Gordie How Bridge will allow an increase in the volume of trade between Windsor and Detroit.
Photo: Tony Now
The ultra-modern architecture of the Gordie Howe International Bridge will also help improve the image and visibility of the region.
Given its unique architecture and technical characteristics, it is visually very attractive, while providing a new, modernized image of the passage between two countries
Souligne M. Haddad.
Commissioning planned for September 2025
The major work is completed, says Charl Van Niekerk, president and CEO of the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA), responsible for construction. We have 10 to 20% of the work left to do
.
Open in full screen mode
“We are very excited to open the bridge to traffic in 2025,” says Charl Van Niekerk, President and CEO of the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA).
Photo : GABRIEL NIKUNDANA
We are hopeful that we will be able to open it to traffic in September.
ajoute M. Van Niekerk
A multi-purpose path for pedestrians and cyclists
The Gordie Howe International Bridge also has a path for pedestrians and cyclists.
People who are able to cross on foot or by bike will experience memorable moments. It will be a beautiful place for a marriage proposal or celebration
dit M. Orr.
I think adding this path for pedestrians and cyclists makes the bridge accessible to more people
adds the CEOCharl Van Niekerk.
The crossing on foot or by bike will be free. You just need to have your passport with you.
