The Gordie Howe International Bridge Project: A Milestone in Infrastructure

The Gordie Howe International Bridge (GHIB) is one of the most significant infrastructure projects in North America, connecting Windsor, Ontario, and Detroit, Michigan. Spanning approximately 2.5 kilometers (1.5 miles), the cable-stayed bridge will feature six lanes—three in each direction—with the longest main span of any cable-stayed bridge in North America at 853 meters (0.53 miles). It will not only facilitate the efficient movement of goods and people across the border but will also serve as a catalyst for economic growth in the region.

Project Overview
Delivered through a public-private partnership (P3), the project is a collaboration between the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA) and Bridging North America, a consortium of firms that include ACS Infrastructure, Fluor, and Aecon. Bridging North America is responsible for the design, construction, financing, operation, and maintenance of the bridge, the U.S. and Canadian Ports of Entry, and improvements to the Michigan Interchange. The state of Michigan will assume long-term operations and maintenance of the Michigan Interchange.

The bridge’s design and construction are led by Dragados Canada, Fluor, and Aecon, with design oversight from AECOM. Operations and maintenance for the bridge and Ports of Entry will be managed by ACS Infrastructure, Fluor, and Aecon.

In addition to enhancing international trade, the project emphasizes sustainability and local workforce engagement through the Community Benefits Plan, which promotes local job creation and workforce development. Local partners, including businesses, unions, and First Nations communities, are involved to ensure economic and social benefits to the region.

Local Detroit Street Improvements
One unique aspect of the GHIB project is the attention given to local street improvements in Southwest Detroit. These improvements include the construction of five new pedestrian bridges, decorative barriers, continuous accessible sidewalks, and a protected cycle track along Fort Street. In addition, a greenway will connect pedestrians and cyclists from the Gordie Howe Bridge to nearby I-75 crossings, promoting safer and more accessible routes for the local community.

Clark Dietz’s Role on the Project
As part of the Bridging North America group, our structural team contributed to the design and construction of two pedestrian bridges and two road bridges over I-75. Our team was responsible for the Lansing Street Walkover and Junction Street Walkover, as well as the Livernois Avenue and Clark Avenue road bridges. These vehicle bridges feature separated pedestrian paths and bike lanes to enhance accessibility and safety for all users. Each of the structures was enhanced with architectural treatments, adding aesthetic value to the surrounding community.

In addition to bridge design, Clark Dietz provided Bridge Load Rating and Construction Assistance services to ensure the successful execution of these critical components of the project. Our work on this monumental infrastructure project highlights our expertise in transportation design and our commitment to improving communities through thoughtful, functional, and safe infrastructure solutions.