Bridging North America wins Gordie Howe International Bridge contract

The Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA) in Canada has awarded a contract to Bridging North America for the construction of the Gordie Howe International Bridge across the Detroit River.

Under the contract, Bridging North America will design, build, finance, operate and maintain the cable-stayed bridge through a public-private partnership.

Bridging North America was chosen after an evaluation of the proposals submitted by the three proponent teams, who participated in the request for proposals stage.

WDBA board of directors chair Dwight Duncan said: “The selection of Bridging North America as the preferred proponent is another step forward towards the start of construction of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, the largest infrastructure project along the Canada-US border and one which will stimulate the economies in Canada and the US.”

WDBA will now discuss final contract details with Bridging North America, which include the cost of the project, design details and expected construction schedule.

Financial close is expected to be completed by the end of September.

With improved border processing and highway-to-highway international connectivity, the new Gordie Howe International Bridge will provide for redundancy at the busiest trade corridor between Canada and the US.

It will also address future requirements and offer six lanes to meet anticipated growth in traffic over the years to come.

WDBA interim CEO André Juneau said: “The momentum continues with the selection of Bridging North America as our preferred proponent. Over 60 subject-matter experts undertook a rigorous evaluation process, putting in countless hours, to reach today’s decision.

“WDBA looks forward to the completion of the procurement process and to the start of construction later this year.”

The Gordie Howe International Bridge project includes work on the Canadian Port of Entry, the bridge, US Port of Entry and I-75 interchange.