Construction work on the Gordie Howe International Bridge reached yet another milestone last week.

Crews and dignitaries were on hand to celebrate the completion of the bridge deck. The announcement now means that the bridge is officially an international border crossing.

On hand at the event were federal infrastructure minister Sean Fraser, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, U.S. Federal Highway Administrator Shailen Bhatt, Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens, senior officials from the Canada Border Services Agency and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, local elected officials and project team members. 

“Canada and the United States have always done big things, together,” said Fraser. “As the largest and most ambitious infrastructure project along the Canada-United States border, the Gordie Howe International Bridge is proof of just that. Beyond further strengthening the deep connection between our two nations, this bridge will drive economic growth for both countries while creating more jobs and increasing border security.”

Since June 14, 2024, when the now iconic photograph was taken of a Canadian ironworker and an American ironworker shaking hands atop a beam 46 metres above the Detroit River, workers have completed the overall connection process by installing the remaining steel beams and precast concrete panels. 

Ironworkers, operating engineers and labourers took time to commemorate their significant contributions to the project through separate events held over the last two months.

"We are excited to celebrate the connection of the bridge deck, a major achievement in completing the Gordie Howe International Bridge,” said David Henderson, Chief Executive Officer, Bridging North America. “We could not have done this without the thousands of dedicated skilled trades people and engineers whose commitment to safety and quality is paramount.”

The celebration not only recognized this phase of bridge construction and its new designation, but also served to acknowledge the more-than 20 years of collaboration, cooperation and commitment exercised by the various project partners to advance the Gordie Howe International Bridge to its current state.

Measuring 853 metres, the Gordie Howe International Bridge is the longest cable-stayed bridge in North America and tenth longest in the world. It is the first new crossing to connect Ontario and Michigan in more than 60 years and will contribute to economic growth by strengthening the fluidity and resiliency at the Windsor-Detroit trade corridor, seamlessly connecting North America.  

Approximately one year of work remains to complete the bridge construction as the focus shifts from the deck to the bridge surface.

In addition to the ongoing work on the bridge, progress at the Canadian and US Ports of Entry continues with all buildings and structures at advanced construction stages. 

Work is advancing on the Michigan Interchange with construction of the pedestrian bridges and ramps connecting I-75 in Detroit to the US Port of Entry, creating, for the first time, a direct highway-to-highway link to Highway 401 in Windsor.