Fluor Corporation (NYSE: FLR) and its partners celebrated the official deck connection of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, which spans the Detroit River. This bridge measures half a mile (853 meters) and connects Windsor, Ontario, Canada, with Detroit, Michigan, United States. It holds the title of the longest cable-stayed bridge in North America and the tenth longest in the world, as well as the longest composite steel and concrete decked cable-stayed bridge globally.
The Gordie Howe International Bridge is now officially the longest cable-stayed bridge in North America following today’s connection ceremony. The project is being developed by Bridging North America (BNA), a joint venture comprising Fluor, ACS Infrastructure Canada, and Aecon Group Inc., on behalf of the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA).
Construction began in 2018 from both sides of the river, culminating in an intricate four-week process that involved the placement and removal of temporary bents, along with the installation of final steel girders, beams, panels, and precast concrete.
“The team has worked incredibly hard since 2018 to achieve this important project milestone,” said Shawn West, President of Fluor’s Infrastructure business. “The connection of this iconic bridge is a testament to our dedication and perseverance in building safe and reliable infrastructure. This bridge will soon serve as a major gateway between Canada and the United States.”
“Making connections is what the Gordie Howe International Bridge is all about,” stated Charl van Niekerk, CEO of the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority. “While we celebrate the physical deck connection today, we are excited about the near future when truck drivers will deliver freight, commuters will travel to and from work, and tourists will enjoy views from the multi-use path. We look forward to opening for business in fall 2025.”
David Henderson, CEO of Bridging North America, added, “The connection of the bridge deck highlights our commitment to building a legacy infrastructure project with the highest standards of quality and safety. We commend the thousands of dedicated skilled tradespeople and engineers whose expertise made this achievement possible.”
In addition to the bridge deck, progress is also being made on the Ports of Entry in Canada and the United States, as well as connections to I-75.
Once completed, the bridge will feature six lanes of traffic, two ports of entry, a multi-use path, a new interchange at I-75 with four new road bridges, five pedestrian bridges, and four interchange ramps linking I-75 to the U.S. Port of Entry.
The Gordie Howe International Bridge is slated to open in the fall of 2025. After its completion, Fluor and ACS will operate and maintain the facility for 30 years for the WDBA.
