Advance construction for the Gordie Howe International Bridge officially broke ground in Michigan this week, marking the beginning of a new addition to the busy Windsor-Detroit trade corridor.
In all, six lanes will be added via the cable-stayed bridge and link up with existing highways. The bridge will add another crossing option at the important international corridor, upping the flow of people and goods to both sides of the border. Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder and Amarjeet Sohi, Canadian minister of Infrastructure and Communities, were among other officials in attendance.
“The Gordie Howe International Bridge will play a vital role in supporting and growing the local economies on both sides of the border and will create opportunities for residents and businesses alike,” Sohi said. “This project is also an important symbol of our deep friendship and mutually beneficial relationship with the United States, and I’m proud to be working towards its completion in partnership with Gov. Snyder and the Michigan government.”
The bridge is being built, designed, financed and operated by Bridging North America, with collaboration between groups in both countries.
“After more than seven years of hard work, today we broke ground on what will be a thriving legacy named for a legend,” Snyder said. “Gordie Howe represented the best of Canada and the United States. And, thanks to the hard work of many people on both sides of the border, now this bridge to the future will represent our prosperous partnership for generations to come.”