Bridging the gap

 

By Miranda Monahan

Canadian and U.S. officials see the Gordie Howe International Bridge as an important economic and tourism link for both counties, according to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Governor Rick Snyder.

The bridge will have six lanes of traffic, three going each way. As well as bike lanes and walkways for pedestrians.

ACS Infrastructure is the company in charge of building the bridge.

“The Gordie Howe International Bridge will serve not only to strengthen the connection between Canada and the United States through increased connectivity and trade but will also create jobs and provide long-term benefits to the local communities of the Windsor-Detroit area,” said Nuria Haltiwanger, CEO of ACS Infrastructure.

The new bridge will cost $5.7 billion and will be paid for by Canada, but Canada will be paid back through tolls collected at the bridge.

The Governor of Michigan, Rick Snyder, has supported the bridge since the beginning.

“It is not just about business, it is the opportunity to ride bikes, to build cultural ties, about educational opportunities,” said Snyder. “This bridge truly is another great connection between our countries that will only cement our relationship that’s gone on for a couple hundred years already and make it stronger and better.”

Snyder said the bridge will help people explore more of both Ontario and Michigan by allowing easier access to cross the border into Windsor.

Prime Minister Trudeau said the new bridge will help improve trade between Canada and the U.S.

“Shorter travel times, more efficient supply chains and better access to the U.S. market for Canadian businesses. The Gordie Howe International Bridge has been a long time coming,” said Trudeau during his speech at the groundbreaking ceremony.

A second event to celebrate the official start of construction of the new bridge took place later in the day at Windsor City Hall and was open to the community.

The second event included live music and a food tent Trudeau delivered a second speech. Attendees were able to shake hands and take photos with Trudeau, Minister of Infrastructure, Francois-Philippe Champagne and Minister of Employment, Patty Hajdu.

The construction is expected to be completed by 2024, but Trudeau has said he would like to see construction accelerated.