The much-anticipated opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, a critical link between Windsor and Detroit, has been postponed by nearly a year. This delay, as confirmed by bridge officials, is primarily attributed to setbacks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Originally scheduled to be operational in 2024, the bridge’s inauguration has been deferred to September 2025. This announcement was made last Thursday by officials of the Gordie Howe International Bridge project. This timeline shift signifies not just a delay in project completion but also a substantial increase in its budget. The costs, initially projected at $5.7 billion, have now surged to $6.4 billion.
Charl van Niekerk, the Chief Executive Officer of the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority, addressed the delay in a press release. He stated, “After a three-year pandemic and considering the size and complexity of the Gordie Howe International Bridge project, our project team is pleased that the impact to the construction schedule is limited to only 10 months beyond the original contracted completion date and that we could agree on a reasonable adjustment to the contract value.”
The Gordie Howe International Bridge project is a remarkable example of a public-private partnership, involving the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority and Bridging North America. The project’s magnitude is significant, with the bridge poised to be North America’s longest cable-stayed bridge upon completion.
Niekerk emphasized the commitment to safety and the goal of delivering essential infrastructure. He remarked, “With safety as our top priority, we will continue to work together to deliver this much-needed infrastructure to the thousands of eager travelers ready to cross.”
The project has involved extensive community engagement between 2015 and 2019, including residents in Ontario and Michigan, business owners, and community and municipal leaders. These consultations have focused on ensuring that the bridge brings benefits and protections to the communities it impacts.
In response to the delay, the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority has adjusted its budget to accommodate a one-year extension of the Gordie Howe International Bridge Community Benefits Plan. This plan is split into two key areas: neighborhood infrastructure and workforce development and participation. Further details on the allocation of these funds are anticipated later in 2024.
While significant progress has been made in several areas of the project, including bridge and road deck construction, cable installation, and port of entry facilities, key tasks remain. These include the completion of bridge construction, installation of the remaining cables, and concrete work for the I-75 ramps. The project team aims to finalize operations and testing in 2025 before opening the bridge to traffic.
The delay in the bridge’s opening is a setback, but the commitment to safety and community benefits remains a priority for the project team. The Gordie Howe International Bridge, once completed, is expected to significantly enhance transportation and economic ties between Canada and the United States.