Total length 2.5 km – Width 37.5 m – Height 220 m – Longest span 853 m. © 2022 Gordie Howe International Bridge
Named after one of the most resilient and iconic hockey players of all time, the Gordie Howe International Bridge is poised for greatness, providing a visually stunning transportation route across the Detroit River, connecting Canada and the United States.
Text by Nickel Institute
The 2.5 km six-lane crossing will be the longest cable-stayed bridge in North America, with a main span of over 850m linking Detroit, Michigan with Windsor, Ontario. It will serve the busiest international border crossing in North America in terms of trade volume.
In the early 2000s, there was a growing concern by both countries that the existing Ambassador Bridge, owned privately and built in 1929, was in need of significant repair and the four-lane structure could not meet future traffic volume.
The Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA) formed a public-private partnership (PPP) with Bridging North America, a consortium of companies with the expertise needed to spearhead this massive infrastructure undertaking.
Design life 125 years
Construction began July, 2018 with a design life of 125 years. A comprehensive evaluation plan was required to ensure the selection of appropriate materials. The PPP engineers chose the superior corrosion-resistant properties of ASTM 955 Type 2304 (UNS S32304) or Type 2205 (S32205) stainless steel to ensure long-term durability of the critical reinforced concrete structural elements exposed directly to de-icing salts and splash zones.
With trade between the two countries booming again after slowdowns during the COVID pandemic, there is great anticipation about the completion and opening in the Fall of 2025.
A big score for Canada and the US.
About Nickel Institute
The Nickel Institute is the global association of leading primary nickel producers. Its mission is to advocate for the responsible supply and sustainable development of nickel and the nickel industry. For information please visit nickelinstitute.org
Total length 2.5 km – Width 37.5 m – Height 220 m – Longest span 853 m. © 2022 Gordie Howe International Bridge
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