Windsorites tour Howe Bridge plaza

by Zander Kelly

 

Windsor residents were invited to tour the site of the future Gordie Howe Bridge plaza on Nov. 19.

The bridge will connect the Herb Gray Parkway to the American interstates 75 and 94. It is estimated the build will cost upwards of $2.2 billion, and is expected to be complete by 2020.

Mike Cautillo, president and CEO of the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority, says an official statement of the completion date will be announced in approximately 18 months.

“We have what’s called a request for proposal, which is a document that states ‘this is what has to be constructed,’” said Cautillo. “From that they’re going to give us a construction schedule and a price.”

“Despite the rumors being circulated, president-elect Donald Trump will not be able to halt or interfere with the project once sworn into office,” said Cautillo. “All required papers and forms have been approved and filed.”

Mark Butler, director of communications for the Bridge Authority, has been with the project since its inception.

“It’s the largest infrastructure project on the Canada-US border,” said Butler. “To be involved with that from the beginning to where we are today, it’s an exciting career. It’s something to be very proud of.”

Butler says the bridge will allow “highway to highway access.” Trucks from cities such as Montreal and Toronto will be able to take the 401 highway onto the parkway, and go straight to the American interstates without other interference.

“Exciting things are ahead,” said Cautillo. “So just stay tuned.”