'A lot of high fives' as the Gordie Howe bridge connects, making it an international crossing
The Gordie Howe Bridge is officially an international crossing.
The milestone was reached Monday when temporary beams were placed between the two bridge decks stemming from Canada and the United States, connecting the bridge in the middle, making this arguably the biggest moment thus far in construction of the Gordie Howe International Bridge.
“This is this is one of the most physically visible milestones in the project,” said David Henderson, the CEO of Bridging North America, the contractor building the bridge.
The bridge deck over the Detroit River is now separated by a mere 11 metres.
“It's a backyard practice rink now,” said Henderson, noting the gap is down to the final section before a continuous deck is installed.
As the bridge is technically now an international crossing, Canada Border Services Agency and United States Customs and Border Protection officials are now on the ground on site, clearing workers to do their jobs.
“Our team that's working on the bridge and that international zone has to go through the checkpoints where they're showing their documents just like you and I present at the border crossings that are in place now,” Henderson said.
The looming CBSA Strike was casting a slight pall on the progress, but now that a tentative agreement is in place, that threat of any work disruption may be a moot point.
“We are keeping an eye on it. We hope that the negotiations will be successful,” said Henderson. “We don't anticipate any impact for our workers at this stage.”
Henderson said there’s a collective sigh of relief as the two sides come together, which is a sight roughly 20 years in the making.
“There's a lot of excitement, a lot of high fives going on each and every day now as we get as we get closer to the permanent beam installation,” he said.
This week, temporary beams will be replaced with a permanent beam and within a matter of weeks, the bridge deck will connect.
“We'll actually move those units on top of the bridge deck and then we'll actually be able to deliver some of the remaining materials and equipment over the bridge,” Henderson said.
About a year of work remains on the bridge and the surrounding ports of entry, but the finish line is now on the horizon.
“It's been a long time coming and we look forward to the completion in the upcoming year.”
Once the deck is complete and barring any setbacks, work on the $6.4 billion bridge will resume, with a completion date scheduled late summer or early Fall, 2025.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'Your body, my choice': Attacks on women surge on social media following U.S. election
Sexist and abusive attacks on women, like 'your body, my choice' and 'get back to the kitchen,' have surged across social media since Trump’s reelection.
Northern Ontario teen recovering in hospital after being attacked; ex-boyfriend charged with attempted murder
Timmins-James Bay MP Charlie Angus was among approximately 120 people who gathered Sunday night for a candlelight vigil near the scene of a vicious attack against a 16-year-old in Cobalt.
Trump expected to name Marco Rubio secretary of state, reports say
Donald Trump selected U.S. Senator Marco Rubio to be his secretary of state, sources said on Monday, putting Rubio on track to be the first Latino to serve as America's top diplomat.
B.C. woman sentenced for stealing $14K in funds raised for schoolkids
A B.C. woman who stole more than $14,000 in volunteer-raised funds that were supposed to be spent on school supplies and programs – including hot meals for vulnerable kids – won't spend any time in jail.
23andMe cuts 40 per cent of its workforce, discontinues all therapy programs
Genetic testing firm 23andMe said on Monday it is reducing about 40 per cent, or 200 employees, from its workforce and discontinuing all its therapies.
Dr. Ronald Weiss, Ottawa's 'Wayne Gretzky' of vasectomies, dies
Dr. Ronald Weiss, who performed nearly 60,000 vasectomies on Ottawa men, establishing him as the "Wayne Gretzky" of the procedure, has died.
Megan Fox is expecting a baby with Machine Gun Kelly
Megan Fox and Machine Gun Kelly are expecting to grow their family. Fox announced her pregnancy in a social media post Monday.
Montreal man facing first-degree murder in woman's death; accused was on bail after allegedly threatening her
A 36-year-old Montreal man who was out on bail after allegedly uttering death threats against his partner is now accused of murdering her on the South Shore.
Kitchener, Ont. teen facing 29 charges after serious threats made against schools, businesses and people
A 15-year-old boy from Kitchener, Ont. is facing a long list of criminal charges as the Waterloo Regional Police Service wraps up a lengthy swatting investigation.