Gordie Howe bridge towers reach for the sky, deck construction one year away
Over the past 12 months, construction at the Gordie Howe International Bridge site has been moving at a fast clip.
Just cresting from the soil in 2020, the pylon towers that support the cables and deck of the bridge have shot toward the sky currently measuring 70 metres from the ground.
When they’re at peak height, according to contractor Bridging North America, the towers will shoot up nearly three times as high — 220 metres — about the same height as the Renaissance Centre.
And it won’t take long.
“The towers reaching to the top should probably be another 12 months now,” says Josh Perry, the construction manager with Bridging North America.
Shortly after, cables will begin to appear and the moment everyone is waiting for will be right around the corner.
“2023 is when we could begin to construct the deck over the water, and early part of 2022 we could begin constructing the superstructure deck over the back span,” says Perry.
Next year, an observation deck will go up at Malden Park on Windsor’s west end to give onlookers more opportunities to get that million-dollar view of construction progress.
For now, one of the best vantage points to check out progress is at the top of the tallest hill at Malden, and many are making the trek up one of Windsor’s only elevated platforms to take a peek.
Among those people — Tony Woloszyn.
“To see the bridge for the first time from the hill is quite incredible,” Woloszyn says. “You can finally see what’s taking shape and what the vision is for the Gordie Howe Bridge.”
“This is my backyard and I have been watching it for over 40 years, and I’ve been watching it grow,” says Margaret Seguin, who usually watches the trees and natural foliage grow — but has lately been intrigued by the progress on the bridge.
“I got up the hill at least once a week to make sure everything is on point and so far they’re doing a good job,” she says.
In an update this week, contractors with Bridging North America said the $5.7 billion bridge is on target and is projected to open to the travelling public in 2024.
When that happens, Seguin is excited to buy a new pair of shoes to check it out from a much closer vantage point.
“My big hope is that I’m going to be here to walk across it one day, to the other side, and then come back,” Seguin says.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Iran fires air defence batteries in provinces as explosions heard near Isfahan
Iran fired air defence batteries early Friday morning as explosions could be heard near a major air base near Isfahan, raising fears of a possible Israeli strike following Tehran's unprecedented drone-and-missile assault on the country.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.