Detroit by Drone: Gordie Howe International Bridge flyover
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
The Gordie Howe International Bridge pictured on Sept. 8. Photos: Samuel Robinson/Axios
What will be North America's longest cable-stayed bridge is being constructed by workers from around the globe near Zug Island and on the other side of the Detroit River in Windsor.
Why it matters: The $5.7 billion Gordie Howe International Bridge is making steady progress. It'll add one more route to connect the countries — the Windsor Tunnel and the Moroun-family owned Ambassador Bridge are currently Metro Detroit and Windsor's only ways to cross the border.
- The bridge's pylons now stand tall and are visible from across the city as the deck continues to be built out.
Between the lines: The bridge has a unique design. Its towers are being built on land and not on the river, which helps crews work without the presence of barges.
- But that means workers are using trailers to carry all the different elements to the top of the construction, project manager Antonio Rios said in an update video.
- Workers are using a temporary elevator to access the deck.
- A 440-ton crane hauls elements to build the deck itself 50 feet at a time before encroaching further out onto the river.
Of note: The bridge will be fitted with six lanes for vehicles and one for pedestrians and cyclists.
- The bridge deck is being built on a 5% inclination. The only completely horizontal part of the deck is in the center of the river to provide a 150 feet high clearance for ships to pass under.
What's next: The Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority set a December 2024 date to open the bridge to the public, but it's unclear whether the project remains on track.
Worthy of your time: The Windsor Star's report on how a dog named Demon is keeping pesky birds and pests away from the bridge's construction site on the other side of the border.