The Gordie Howe International Bridge on the Detroit River is 2.5 km long and will have 6 lanes and is expected to open in 2025.
After nearly 4 years of construction, the longest suspension bridge in North America is nearing completion. Providing an additional route connecting the US and Canada, the Gordie Howe International Bridge has a main span of 853 m when completed, New Atlas reported on June 13.
Designed by AECOM architect Erik Behrens, in collaboration with the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority, Dragados, Fluor, and Aeco, the Gordie Howe International Bridge is the 10th longest suspension bridge in the world. The bridge also has the longest reinforced concrete bridge deck among suspension bridges after completion. Named after Canadian hockey star Gordie Howe who played for the Detroit Red Wings, the bridge’s tower base is designed to evoke the curve of a puck.
To date, 27 bridge deck segments averaging 15 m long and 37.5 m wide have been installed 46 m above the Detroit River, leaving only a small gap connecting Windsor, Ontario, with Detroit, Michigan. The final sections of the bridge deck are being gradually added and will be carefully installed over the next few weeks.
According to AECOM, two towers with a height of 220 and an arrangement of 216 cables (108 on each side) spread out in a fan shape to support the bridge deck across the river. The secondary span on each side of the river is supported by 27 pairs of cables and 3 pairs of pillars, which contribute to transmitting the load directly to the ground.
Although the six-lane bridge is nearing structural completion, engineers still have some work to do. First, the cable car needs to be properly tensioned, then install pavement, barriers, multi-use paths for cyclists and pedestrians, and an electrical system. As expected, the bridge will open to traffic in 2025.