Spanning 1.6 Miles, the Gordie Howe International Bridge Will Connect the U.S. and Canada
Detroit, Michigan - After nearly four years of construction, the longest suspension bridge in North America is nearing completion. Providing an additional route between the US and Canada, the Gordie Howe International Bridge will feature a main span of 2,800 feet (853 meters) upon its completion, New Atlas reported on June 13.
Designed by AECOM architect Erik Behrens in collaboration with the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority, Dragados, Fluor, and Aeco, the Gordie Howe International Bridge will rank as the 10th-longest suspension bridge in the world. It will also boast the longest reinforced concrete deck of any suspension bridge when finished. Named after Canadian hockey legend Gordie Howe, who played for the Detroit Red Wings, the bridge's towers are designed to evoke the shape of a hockey stick.
Key Features
To date, 27 deck segmentsâ€"each measuring 50 feet (15 meters) long and 120 feet (37.5 meters) wideâ€"have been installed at a height of 150 feet (46 meters) above the Detroit River, leaving only a small gap remaining that connects Windsor, Ontario to Detroit, Michigan. The final deck segments are being fabricated and will be carefully placed in the coming weeks.
According to AECOM, the bridge's two 720-foot (220-meter) towers and an arrangement of 216 cables (108 on each side) fan out to support the deck as it spans the river. Side spans on each side of the river are supported by 27 pairs of cables and three sets of piers, which help transfer the load directly to the ground.
Completion Status
Although the six-lane bridge is structurally complete, engineers still have some finishing work to do. The suspension cables need to be tensioned, and the bridge will receive a roadway surface, barriers, a multi-use path for cyclists and pedestrians, and electrical systems. The bridge is scheduled to open to traffic in 2025.
Summary
The Gordie Howe International Bridge, a landmark project that will significantly enhance cross-border trade and travel, is set to open in 2025. Spanning the Detroit River, the bridge will feature a 2,800-foot main span, making it the longest suspension bridge in North America. With its unique design and state-of-the-art engineering, the Gordie Howe International Bridge is poised to become a vital link between the United States and Canada for generations to come.