Gordie Howe International Bridge to reach connection milestone by end of June

According to the Windsor Detroit Bridge Authority, the US-Canadian body responsible for building the bridge, it is anticipated that the two sides will connect at the end of June.

The bridge authority said that the bridge deck would be completed when a final segment of the bridge, measuring just 11 meters (36 feet) is put in place during a process known as mid-span closure, marking a key milestone in the construction.

The bridge deck of the Gordie Howe International Bridge connecting the US and Canada nears completion. Photo: WDBA

Once connected, the bridge deck spanning the distance between the two iconic towers will measure 853 metres/0.53 miles making it the longest main span of any cable-stayed bridge in North America and the tenth longest in the world. It will also be the longest composite steel and concrete bridge deck for any cable-stayed bridge in the world.

“Achieving the bridge deck connection is monumental in the progress on the Gordie Howe International Bridge project,” said Charl van Niekerk, CEO, Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority in a statement.

“This new bridge is the physical representation of the international cooperation that exists between the neighbouring communities in Windsor and Detroit, throughout Ontario and Michigan, and across North America.”

Even though it will appear the bridge is completed, EDBA said there was still plenty of work remaining before the bridge opens in autumn 2025. Crews will stress stay cables and install electrical, fire suppression and drainage systems, barriers, signage, lighting, deck paving, and pavement markings and complete the multi-use path.