CTV News has learned the Gordie Howe International Bridge is taking a significant step forward this week.
The ground-breaking for what has been termed “Michigan advanced construction" will happen on Tuesday.
According to Mark Butler, Communications Director for the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority, they have secured 93 per cent of the properties needed in Detroit’s Delray neighbourhood for the port of entry.
Butler says the Tuesday event is not the overall project ground-breaking but calls it a big step. He feels it’s encouraging because it’s required greater effort to clear properties required for U.S. side.
Butler expects a number of dignitaries will be in Delray on Tuesday morning.
The preferred proponent for the project is 'Bridging North America'. It will be an 853 metre cable-stayed span, being touted by Windsor Detroit Bridge Authority officials as the longest cable-stayed bridge in North America.
The ground-breaking for the overall project can't happen, according to Butler, until at least October when the W.D.B.A. has its financial close.
The cost of the project, design details, and construction schedule are all expected to be announced in the fall once the contract with Bridging North America is finalized.
