In a joint statement released this week, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Canadian Minister of Infrastructure and Communities Francois-Philippe Champagne signaled continued, cooperative support for completion of the Gordie Howe International Bridge.
That bridge represents a link along the busy trade corridor between Windsor and Detroit, providing a means through the busiest U.S. and Canadian commercial land border crossing. Estimates see that corridor supporting around 7,000 trucks each day and approximately a quarter of all U.S.-Canada trade.
“In the spirit of the ongoing Canada-Michigan collaboration, we are pleased to reaffirm our full support and commitment to the Gordie Howe International Bridge project,” Whitmer and Champagne wrote. “This project is a landmark investment in cross-border infrastructure that will create thousands of well-paying jobs, encourage investment, improve businesses’ bottom lines and spur economic growth in Canada and Michigan. The project is a top priority for both Canada and the State of Michigan, and both Minister Champagne and Governor Whitmer are committed to doing everything necessary to ensure the continued timely achievement of critical milestones towards the bridge’s completion.”
Construction on the bridge began in 2018, following years of groundwork and attempts by Manuel Maroun, the owner of the other international bridge in the area to halt production. It will connect I-75 and I-96 in Michigan with an extension of Highway 401 in Ontario.
“It will allow Michigan and Canadian businesses to get their goods to market quicker and more efficiently, and will improve the lives of Michiganders and Canadians by making it faster and simpler for travelers, daily commuters, shoppers and others to cross the border,” Whitmer and Champagne wrote. “Residents on both sides of the border are united in recognizing the importance of this bridge being built. Its construction is bringing business, jobs, training, and apprenticeships to the communities of Detroit and Windsor, as well as needed investments in neighborhood infrastructure. The Gordie Howe International Bridge, which is made possible by a unique and collaborative partnership among Canada, Michigan and many other stakeholders, will help ensure our shared prosperity and security.”
The bridge is expected to be completed in 2024.