Gordie Howe International Bridge

{{OSM Location map|coord={{Coord|42.31|-83.06}}|float=right|zoom=12|width=300|height=300|scalemark=20|shape1=n-circle|shape-color1=#f00|shape-outline1=#fff|mark-size1=20|mark-coord1={{Coord|42.323741|-83.040426}}|mark-title1=Detroit–Windsor Tunnel (1930)|mark-coord2={{Coord|42.319303|-83.058712}}|mark-title2=Michigan Central Railway Tunnel (1910)|mark-coord3={{Coord|42.311752|-83.073818}}|mark-title3=Ambassador Bridge (1929)|mark-coord4={{Coord|42.2880|-83.0975}}|shape-color4=#faa|shape-outline4=#000|mark-title4=Gordie Howe International Bridge (est. completion 2025)|fullscreen-option=1|caption=Crossings of the Detroit River between Detroit, Michigan and Windsor, Ontario. Detroit is on the north bank of this stretch of river. Because Detroit is generally north and west of Windsor, people travelling from the United States to Canada travel south.|auto-caption=1}}

The passage across the Detroit River between the United States and Canada has been an important traffic route since the American Civil War, with ferries transporting goods and people across the river.{{cite book |last1=Mason |first=Philip P. |url=https://archive.org/details/ambassadorbridge0000maso |title=The Ambassador Bridge: A Monument to Progress |publisher=Wayne State University Press |year=1987 |isbn=978-0-814-31840-9 |location=Detroit |pages=31+ |url-access=registration}} A railway tunnel (Michigan Central Railway Tunnel) was opened in July 1910, a suspension bridge for road traffic (Ambassador Bridge) opened in November 1929, and a road tunnel (Detroit–Windsor tunnel) opened in 1930.{{cite web |last1=Hanson |first1=Adriane |last2=Dow |first2=Kathleen |name-list-style=amp |year=2005–2007 |title=Finding aid for Ambassador Bridge Records, 1927–1930 |url=https://quod.lib.umich.edu/s/sclead/umich-scl-ambbridge?rgn=main;view=text |access-date=June 3, 2014 |work=Special Collections Library |publisher=University of Michigan |archive-date=October 6, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006124056/https://quod.lib.umich.edu/s/sclead/umich-scl-ambbridge?rgn=main;view=text |url-status=live }}

The Ambassador Bridge is the busiest crossing on the Canada–United States border,{{cite web |date=Winter 2015 |title=Chapter 4: The Watery Boundary |url=https://www.clui.org/section/united-divide-a-linear-portrait-usacanada-border-3 |website=United Divide: A Linear Portrait of the USA/Canada Border |publisher=The Center for Land Use Interpretation |access-date=July 24, 2023 |archive-date=June 20, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180620075700/https://www.clui.org/section/united-divide-a-linear-portrait-usacanada-border-3 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=November 6, 2012 |title=Michigan voters could nix new bridge to Canada |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/michigan-voters-could-nix-new-bridge-to-canada-1.1258747 |access-date=July 24, 2023 |website=CBC News |quote=In 2010, it was reported that 28,814 trucks crossed the privately owned Ambassador Bridge on a daily basis. It is the busiest border crossing in North America. According to the Ambassador Bridge, more than 25 per cent of all merchandise trade between the U.S. and Canada crosses that span. Almost $500 million US in trade and an average of 10,000 commercial vehicles pass daily over the Ambassador Bridge. |archive-date=July 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230724221739/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/michigan-voters-could-nix-new-bridge-to-canada-1.1258747 |url-status=live }} with nearly 25% of U.S.–Canada border crossings by trucks using the bridge.{{cite web |date=March 5, 2021 |title=Road Transportation |url=https://tc.canada.ca/en/corporate-services/policies/road-transportation-0 |access-date=April 11, 2022 |publisher=Transport Canada |archive-date=July 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230724221741/https://tc.canada.ca/en/corporate-services/policies/road-transportation-0 |url-status=live }} The bridge has been criticized for its monopoly status (as no trucks are permitted to use the tunnel), private ownership by billionaire Manuel Moroun and poor maintenance record.{{cite news |author=Staff |date=July 12, 2012 |title=The Proposed New US-Canada Bridge: Guide to the Controversy |work=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.freep.com/article/99999999/NEWS06/399990109/The-proposed-new-U-S-Canada-bridge-Guide-controversy |access-date=July 24, 2023 |archive-date=October 17, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017093645/https://www.freep.com/article/99999999/NEWS06/399990109/The-proposed-new-U-S-Canada-bridge-Guide-controversy |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last=Lawrence |first=Eric |date=October 15, 2015 |title=Ambassador Bridge rains concrete chunks down on Windsor |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |url=https://eu.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/detroit/2015/10/15/windsor-closes-streets-near-ambassador-bridge/73978234/ |access-date=November 28, 2021 |archive-date=February 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220209003534/https://eu.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/detroit/2015/10/15/windsor-closes-streets-near-ambassador-bridge/73978234/ |url-status=live }} Both the bridge and the road tunnel lack direct highway connections on the Canadian side, with city streets and traffic lights between them and Ontario Highway 401.{{Cite web |last=Jarvis |first=Anne |date=November 2, 2017 |title=Jarvis: Ambassador Bridge wants to be connected to the parkway |url=https://windsorstar.com/news/local-news/jarvis-ambassador-bridge-wants-to-be-connected-to-the-parkway |access-date=July 24, 2023 |website=Windsor Star |archive-date=May 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210515194059/https://windsorstar.com/news/local-news/jarvis-ambassador-bridge-wants-to-be-connected-to-the-parkway |url-status=live }}

In the early 2000s, work was begun to investigate the need for a future crossing of the Detroit River by a bi-national partnership of the U.S. Federal Highway Administration, Transport Canada, Ontario Ministry of Transportation and the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT).{{Cite web |title=Chronology |url=https://www.gordiehoweinternationalbridge.com/en/chronology |access-date=July 24, 2023 |website=Gordie Howe International Bridge |language=en |archive-date=July 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230724221739/https://www.gordiehoweinternationalbridge.com/en/chronology |url-status=live }} During development, the project was known as the Detroit River International Crossing and the New International Trade Crossing.

In 2004, a joint announcement by the federal government of the United States and Government of Canada confirmed a new border crossing would be constructed between Detroit and Windsor. A bi-national committee was formed to manage the project.{{cite web |author=Detroit River International Crossing Study team |title=DRIC Reports (Canada) |url=https://www.partnershipborderstudy.com/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100504083556/https://www.partnershipborderstudy.com/ |archive-date=May 4, 2010 |access-date=February 26, 2010 |publisher=Detroit River International Crossing Project}} An extension of Ontario Highway 401 to the future bridge was also proposed – construction on this extension began in 2011, with the Rt. Hon. Herb Gray Parkway opening in 2015.{{cite news |last=Chen |first=Dalson |date=January 3, 2013 |title=What To Nickname the Herb Gray Parkway? |newspaper=Windsor Star |url=https://windsorstar.com/What+nickname+Herb+Gray+Parkway/7768725/story.html |access-date=January 15, 2013 }}{{Dead link|date=June 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

The various environmental approvals for the project were approved in both the United States and Canada in 2009.{{cite web |author=Detroit River International Crossing Study Team |date=May 1, 2008 |title=Parkway Map |url=https://www.weparkway.ca/pdfs/Prelim_Parkway-Rendered_June09(608x2250)2.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706213130/http://www.weparkway.ca/pdfs/Prelim_Parkway-Rendered_June09(608x2250)2.pdf |archive-date=July 6, 2011 |access-date=February 25, 2010 |website=URS Corporation}}

In 2009, the Ohio State Senate passed a non-binding resolution expressing support for the crossing, and urged the Michigan government to pass it, due to Canada being Ohio's largest foreign trade partner, with {{USD|35.8}} billion per year in goods traded between Ohio and Canada.{{cite web |title=A Resolution to Support the construction of the new Detroit River International Crossing between the United States and Canada |url=http://archives.legislature.state.oh.us/res.cfm?ID=128_SR_223 |access-date=February 27, 2016 |website=Laws, Acts, and Legislation-Ohio General Assembly |archive-date=March 3, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303225821/http://archives.legislature.state.oh.us/res.cfm?ID=128_SR_223 |url-status=live }} In 2011, the bridge was tentatively scheduled for completion in 2016, according to the Michigan Department of Transportation. It was estimated the bridge would generate $70.4 million in toll revenues in its first year of operation.

In 2010, the Michigan Senate had not approved any authorizing legislation related to the bridge. The Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop had stated that the Senate would not vote until revenue forecasts were released, reports that were being withheld by the director of the Michigan Department of Transportation. The Michigan House of Representatives had already passed the measure while the bill was called "doomed" in the Senate.{{cite news |last=Samuel |first=Peter |date=June 10, 2010 |title=Michigan Senate Leader Says: No $#s on DRIC Bridge, No Vote |work=TollRoadNews |url=http://www.tollroadsnews.com/node/4788 |access-date=July 1, 2010 |archive-date=November 29, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101129205149/http://tollroadsnews.com/node/4788 |url-status=live }}

Michigan Governor Rick Snyder supported construction of the new crossing in his first State of the State address on January 19, 2011. His plan would leverage Canadian money to receive a 160 percent match—totaling $2.2 billion—on funding from the Federal Highway Administration in a deal reached the week previous to the speech.{{cite news |last=Christoff |first=Chris |date=January 19, 2011 |title=Snyder Backs 2nd Bridge for First Time |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |url=http://www.freep.com/article/20110119/NEWS15/110119102/1318/Watch-live-Snyder-backs-2nd-bridge-for-the-first-time |access-date=January 19, 2011}} In August 2011, Michigan State Senator Mike Kowall, when asked by the Windsor Star if enabling legislation for the bridge would currently pass, replied "absolutely not".{{cite news |last=Schmidt |first=Doug |date=August 16, 2011 |title=Sides Remain Entrenched After Cross-Border Tour: Vote for Public Bridge Would Fail Today, Says Michigan Senator |newspaper=Windsor Star |url=https://windsorstar.com/business/Sides+remain+entrenched+after+cross+border+tour/5260307/story.html |access-date=August 2, 2011 |archive-date=August 17, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110817205158/http://www.windsorstar.com/business/Sides+remain+entrenched+after+cross+border+tour/5260307/story.html |url-status=live }}

In October 2011, the Michigan Senate "rejected a bill [that] would have allowed the state to accept $550 million from the Canadian government to fund the country's share" of the bridge.{{cite news |last=Edmonson |first=R.G. |date=October 20, 2011 |title=Plan for Detroit–Windsor, Ont., Bridge Dealt Blow |journal=The Journal of Commerce |url=http://www.joc.com/infrastructure/detroit-windsor-ont-bridge-plan-dealt-funding-blow |access-date=November 24, 2011 |archive-date=October 22, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111022181141/http://www.joc.com/infrastructure/detroit-windsor-ont-bridge-plan-dealt-funding-blow |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last=Tencer |first=Daniel |date=November 21, 2011 |title=Canada–U.S. Trade: Michigan Senate Committee Kills New Border Crossing |work=Huffington Post |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2011/10/21/canada-us-trade-windsor-detroit-bridge_n_1023927.html |url-status=live |access-date=June 15, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210313161838/https://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2011/10/21/canada-us-trade-windsor-detroit-bridge_n_1023927.html |archive-date=March 13, 2021}} One commentator, Bill Mann, noted the rejection, saying "Canada calls the new bridge its biggest infrastructure priority and has even offered to pay for the span. But pesky U.S. special-interest politics intrude once again," as he reviewed a number of "U.S. government actions (and inactions) that show little concern about Canadian concerns". Mann drew from a Maclean's article sub-titled "We used to be friends"{{cite news |last=Mann |first=Bill |date=November 24, 2011 |title=Americans Should Be Thankful for Canada |journal=MarketWatch |url=http://www.marketwatch.com/story/americans-should-be-thankful-for-canada-2011-11-24?link=home_carousel |access-date=November 24, 2011 |archive-date=December 2, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202222439/http://www.marketwatch.com/story/americans-should-be-thankful-for-canada-2011-11-24?link=home_carousel |url-status=live }} about U.S.–Canada relations after the Keystone Pipeline, the bridge, and other "insulting" decisions.{{cite news |last=Savage |first=Luiza Ch. |date=November 21, 2011 |title=The U.S. and Canada: We Used To Be Friends |magazine=Maclean's |url=http://www.macleans.ca/2011/11/21/friends-like-these/ |access-date=November 24, 2011 |archive-date=November 24, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111124020312/http://www2.macleans.ca/2011/11/21/friends-like-these/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last=Mann |first=Bill |date=December 6, 2011 |title=A Bridge Too Difficult by Far |journal=MarketWatch |url=http://www.marketwatch.com/story/a-bridge-too-difficult-by-far-2011-12-06 |access-date=November 2, 2012}}

In June 2012, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Michigan Governor Rick Snyder announced an agreement allowing the project to proceed.{{Cite news |date=June 15, 2012 |title=Canada, Michigan announce new Detroit-Windsor bridge |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/canada-us-usa-canada-bridge-idCABRE85E18X20120615 |access-date=July 24, 2023 |archive-date=July 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230724221737/https://www.reuters.com/article/canada-us-usa-canada-bridge-idCABRE85E18X20120615 |url-status=live }} The Canadian federal government would fund bridge construction, land acquisition in Michigan and the construction of Interstate 75 on-ramps. The Canadian contribution will be repaid from bridge tolls collected on the Canadian side, and no tolls will be charged on the U.S. side.{{cite news |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/1b-windsor-detroit-bridge-deal-struck-1.1141713 |title=$1B Windsor–Detroit Bridge Deal Struck |work=CBC News |date=June 15, 2012 |access-date=June 15, 2012 |archive-date=August 23, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130823094942/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/story/2012/06/14/wdr-prime-minister-bridge-windsor-detroit.html |url-status=live }} The crossing agreement also included community benefits for residents on both sides of the Detroit River, including improvements to local neighbourhoods affected by bridge construction.{{Cite web |title=Community Benefits |url=https://www.gordiehoweinternationalbridge.com/en/community-benefits-section |access-date=August 17, 2023 |website=Gordie Howe International Bridge |language=en |archive-date=August 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230817125543/https://www.gordiehoweinternationalbridge.com/en/community-benefits-section |url-status=live }}

On April 12, 2013, the Obama administration granted Michigan the permit required to build the bridge, allowing construction to go forward once details were finalized.{{cite news |first=Dave |last=Battagello |date=April 12, 2013 |title=Michigan Governor Snyder Confirms Permit for DRIC Approved |url=http://blogs.windsorstar.com/2013/04/12/michigan-governor-snyder-confirms-permit-for-dric-approved/ |newspaper=Windsor Star |access-date=April 12, 2013 |archive-date=November 14, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131114092542/http://blogs.windsorstar.com/2013/04/12/michigan-governor-snyder-confirms-permit-for-dric-approved/ |url-status=dead }}{{cite news |title=New Windsor–Detroit bridge gets Obama's OK |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/new-windsor-detroit-bridge-gets-obama-s-ok-1.1383054 |publisher=CBC News |date=April 12, 2013 |access-date=April 12, 2013 |archive-date=August 28, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130828130920/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/story/2013/04/12/wdr-dric-presidential-permit-windsor-detroit-rick-snyder-michigan.html |url-status=live }}{{cite press release |date=April 12, 2013 |title=Issuance of Presidential Permit for New International Trade Crossing |url=https://2009-2017.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2013/04/207424.htm |publisher=United States Department of State |id=2013/0402 |access-date=April 12, 2013}} In May 2014, the United States Coast Guard issued a bridge permit, the final federal approval required. A Canadian federal Crown corporation, the Windsor–Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA) began work in July 2014 to coordinate the bridge's construction and management.{{cite web |title=DRIC bridge executive teams loaded with financial expertise, but nobody local |url=http://blogs.windsorstar.com/news/new-dric-bridge-executive-team-loaded-with-financial-expertise |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150702192758/http://blogs.windsorstar.com/news/new-dric-bridge-executive-team-loaded-with-financial-expertise |archive-date=July 2, 2015 |newspaper=Windsor Star}}

The Canadian government allocated {{USD|25}} million to begin land acquisition on the Detroit side on May 22, 2013.{{cite news |last=Battagello |first=Dave |date=May 22, 2013 |title=Canada to start buying property in Delray for DRIC bridge |newspaper=Windsor Star |url=http://blogs.windsorstar.com/2013/05/22/canadian-funds-allocated-to-start-buying-property-in-delray-for-dric-bridge/ |access-date=August 4, 2013 |archive-date=April 12, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140412130023/http://blogs.windsorstar.com/2013/05/22/canadian-funds-allocated-to-start-buying-property-in-delray-for-dric-bridge/ |url-status=live }} In January 2015, Parsons Corporation was named the general engineering consultant for the bridge. On February 18, 2015, Minister of Transport Lisa Raitt announced Canada would fund the construction of a customs plaza on the U.S. side of the bridge in Detroit's Delray neighborhood. The plaza will have a budget of around {{USD|250}} million, and be recouped through tolls. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security will provide a first-year investment of {{USD|150}} million, and an "ongoing annual requirement" of {{USD|50}} million, to cover the plaza's operational and staffing costs.{{cite news |url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/250m-u-s-customs-plaza-to-be-paid-for-by-canada-1.2962166 |title=$250M U.S. customs plaza to be paid for by Canada |work=CBC News |access-date=May 14, 2015 |archive-date=February 24, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150224003115/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/250m-u-s-customs-plaza-to-be-paid-for-by-canada-1.2962166 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Deal for new customs plaza in Detroit announced |url=http://www.freep.com/story/news/local/2015/02/18/bridge-plaza-deal/23606333/ |access-date=May 14, 2015 |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |date=February 18, 2015 |archive-date=December 1, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201201193344/https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/2015/02/18/bridge-plaza-deal/23606333/ |url-status=live }}

On May 14, 2015, during an event attended by Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, it was officially announced that the bridge would be known as the Gordie Howe International Bridge after Canadian ice hockey player Gordie Howe, whose celebrated career included 25 years with the Detroit Red Wings.

In July 2015, WDBA began work procuring a consortium who would design, build and finance the construction of the bridge, as well as operate and maintain it over a 30 year period. The cost of building the Gordie Howe International Bridge escalated by {{CAD|3.5 billion}} as the value of the Canadian dollar declined in 2015–2016. In January 2016, it was reported, due to exchange rates and increased inflation, costs could rise to {{CAD|4.8 billion}}.{{cite news |url=https://windsorstar.com/news/local-news/gordie-howe-bridge-costs-skyrocketing-thanks-to-tumbling-loonie |title=Gordie Howe bridge costs skyrocketing thanks to tumbling loonie |agency=The Canadian Press |newspaper=Windsor Star |date=January 4, 2016 |access-date=October 4, 2018 |archive-date=July 16, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180716014224/https://windsorstar.com/news/local-news/gordie-howe-bridge-costs-skyrocketing-thanks-to-tumbling-loonie |url-status=live }}

In July 2016, it was announced many properties that would be required to build the bridge were still in the hands of private landowners. Some properties on the American side of the river were owned by Manuel Moroun, owner of the Ambassador Bridge.{{Cite web |date=April 28, 2017 |title=Gordie Howe Bridge Authority ready to take on Moroun over land needed for crossing |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/gordie-howe-bridge-authority-ready-to-take-on-moroun-over-land-needed-for-crossing-1.4090364 |access-date=July 24, 2023 |website=CBC News |archive-date=July 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230724221738/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/gordie-howe-bridge-authority-ready-to-take-on-moroun-over-land-needed-for-crossing-1.4090364 |url-status=live }} An estimated 30 of the 900 properties needed were considered to be problems if the owners resist selling.{{cite news |title=Gordie Howe bridge faces delays on both sides of border |url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/gordie-howe-bridge-faces-delays-on-both-sides-of-border-1.3683452 |work=CBC News |date=July 10, 2016 |access-date=August 24, 2016 |archive-date=August 24, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160824070931/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/gordie-howe-bridge-faces-delays-on-both-sides-of-border-1.3683452 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=A new bridge is dawning in Detroit. Matty Moroun isn't the only one unhappy. |url=https://www.michiganradio.org/post/new-bridge-dawning-detroit-matty-moroun-isn-t-only-one-unhappy |date=May 3, 2018 |first=Joel |last=Kurth |publisher=Michigan Radio |access-date=December 13, 2019 |archive-date=November 17, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191117231018/https://www.michiganradio.org/post/new-bridge-dawning-detroit-matty-moroun-isn-t-only-one-unhappy |url-status=live }} In July 2016, the CBC reported Dwight Duncan, the former finance minister for Ontario had advised the Government of Canada to consider buying the Ambassador Bridge from Moroun.{{cite news |work=CBC News |title=Canada should consider buying Ambassador Bridge, Ottawa told |url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/canada-should-consider-buying-ambassador-bridge-ottawa-told-1.3699237 |date=July 28, 2016 |access-date=August 24, 2016 |archive-date=August 20, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160820110405/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/canada-should-consider-buying-ambassador-bridge-ottawa-told-1.3699237 |url-status=live }}

In a joint statement released after a meeting between newly elected U.S. president Donald Trump and Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau on February 13, 2017, the two governments reiterated the support of the "expeditious completion" of the project.{{cite news |last=Battagello |first=Dave |date=February 13, 2017 |title=Howe bridge highlighted during Trudeau-Trump meeting |newspaper=Windsor Star |url=https://windsorstar.com/news/local-news/howe-bridge-highlighted-during-trudeau-trump-meeting |url-status=live |access-date=November 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210921043004/https://windsorstar.com/news/local-news/howe-bridge-highlighted-during-trudeau-trump-meeting |archive-date=September 21, 2021}} It was listed as a priority infrastructure project by the Donald Trump administration.{{cite journal |url=http://www.globalconstructionreview.com/news/trump-makes-137bn-lis7t-emerg7ency-infrastru7cture/ |title=Trump makes $137bn list of "emergency" infrastructure schemes, all needing private finance |journal=Global Construction Review |date=January 30, 2018 |access-date=February 10, 2019 |archive-date=May 13, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190513033739/http://www.globalconstructionreview.com/news/trump-makes-137bn-lis7t-emerg7ency-infrastru7cture/ |url-status=live }}

In June 2017, the City of Detroit sold 36 city-owned parcels of land, underground assets and five miles of city-owned streets in the Delray neighborhood, which is the site of the U.S. Customs facility. A {{USD|33}} million neighborhood improvement fund for the neighborhood was set up. Residents of the area can stay and have their home renovated or move to a renovated home in a different neighborhood.{{cite web |url=https://detroit.curbed.com/2017/6/23/15862388/gordie-howe-bridge-delray-neighborhood |title=City sells land in Delray for Gordie Howe International Bridge |first=Robin |last=Runyan |date=June 23, 2017 |website=Curbed Detroit |access-date=June 27, 2018 |archive-date=June 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180627230807/https://detroit.curbed.com/2017/6/23/15862388/gordie-howe-bridge-delray-neighborhood |url-status=live }}

In May 2018, the Michigan Court of Appeals ruled against Moroun's attempt to stop expropriations on the Michigan side of the river, allowing construction of the U.S. plaza to begin.{{cite news |date=May 10, 2018 |title=Appeal to stop Gordie Howe Bridge project fails in Michigan court |work=CBC News |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/gordie-howe-bridge-moroun-lawsuit-appeal-1.4656927 |access-date=June 27, 2018 |archive-date=June 28, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180628041943/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/gordie-howe-bridge-moroun-lawsuit-appeal-1.4656927 |url-status=live }}

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| image1 = Howe Bridge supports (Detroit 06-2021).jpg

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| caption1 = Early construction of the support towers on the American side in June 2021

| image2 = Gordie Howe Bridge under construction May 2023.jpg

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| caption2 = Bridge deck being installed on the Canadian side in May 2023

| image3 = Gordie Howe International Bridge - WDBA - Architect Erik Behrens - Photographer Matt Moniz.jpg

| caption3 = Progress as of January 2024, with both support towers nearly completed

| image4 = Gordie Howe International Bridge under construction April 2024.jpg

| caption4 = Gordie Howe bridge, American side, April 2024

| header = Construction progress of the Gordie Howe International Bridge

}}

On July 5, 2018, WDBA was announced the consortium "Bridging North America" had been awarded the bridge contract, using a design, build, finance, operate and maintain structure.{{cite news |url=https://windsorstar.com/news/local-news/bridging-north-america-will-build-gordie-howe-international-bridge |title=Bridging North America will build Gordie Howe International Bridge |date=July 5, 2018 |newspaper=Windsor Star |first=Dalsen |last=Chen |access-date=November 19, 2021 |language=en-US |archive-date=October 22, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211022130816/https://windsorstar.com/news/local-news/bridging-north-america-will-build-gordie-howe-international-bridge |url-status=live }} The consortium consisted of AECOM for design; Dragados Canada, Fluor Corporation, and Aecon for construction; and ACS Infrastructure, Fluor, and Aecon for operations and maintenance.{{cite web |url=https://www.gordiehoweinternationalbridge.com/en/bridging-north-america |title=Bridging North America |website=Gordie Howe International Bridge |language=en |access-date=March 4, 2020 |archive-date=August 7, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807125902/https://www.gordiehoweinternationalbridge.com/en/bridging-north-america |url-status=live }}{{cite news |date=July 5, 2018 |title=Gordie Howe bridge will be the longest cable-stayed bridge in North America |work=CBC News |url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/windsor-detroit-bridge-authority-bridging-north-america-1.4734671 |access-date=July 5, 2018 |archive-date=October 1, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201001101208/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/windsor-detroit-bridge-authority-bridging-north-america-1.4734671 |url-status=live }} Following construction, Bridging North America will receive monthly payments for operating and maintaining the bridge over a 30 year period.{{Cite web |date=September 27, 2018 |title=Gordie Howe International Bridge to cost $5.7B, create 2,500 jobs |url=https://windsor.ctvnews.ca/gordie-howe-international-bridge-to-cost-5-7b-create-2-500-jobs-1.4112450 |access-date=July 24, 2023 |website=CTV News Windsor |language=en |archive-date=March 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220306203010/https://windsor.ctvnews.ca/gordie-howe-international-bridge-to-cost-5-7b-create-2-500-jobs-1.4112450 |url-status=live }}

Construction began on July 17, 2018, with groundbreaking by Minister of Infrastructure Amarjeet Sohi and Michigan Governor Rick Snyder.{{Cite web |last=Fraser |first=Kaitie |date=July 17, 2018 |title=Canada's infrastructure minister, Mich. governor break ground on Gordie Howe International Bridge |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/amarjeet-sohi-rick-snyder-break-ground-gordie-howe-bridge-1.4749688 |access-date=July 24, 2023 |website=CBC News |archive-date=July 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230724154043/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/amarjeet-sohi-rick-snyder-break-ground-gordie-howe-bridge-1.4749688 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last=Gallagher |first=John |date=July 17, 2018 |title=Gov. Snyder on Gordie Howe bridge start today: 'We need this bridge' |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.freep.com/story/money/business/2018/07/17/gordie-howe-international-bridge-groundbreaking/787980002/ |access-date=July 28, 2018 |archive-date=June 1, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210601004037/https://www.freep.com/story/money/business/2018/07/17/gordie-howe-international-bridge-groundbreaking/787980002/ |url-status=live }} On September 28, 2018, the WDBA announced the project would cost CA$3.8 billion to construct, part of a CA$5.7 billion contract with Bridging North America. The bridge was to be completed by the end of 2024.{{cite news |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/gordie-howe-bridge-construction-1.4842489 |title=$3.8B to build Gordie Howe bridge, complete by end of 2024 |work=CBC News |date=September 28, 2018 |access-date=September 29, 2018 |archive-date=October 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211010101354/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/gordie-howe-bridge-construction-1.4842489 |url-status=live }}

In 2019, preparatory work for major construction continued, with cleaning of contaminated land.{{Cite web |date=April 15, 2019 |title=WDBA says land on Michigan side of Gordie Howe bridge is contaminated |url=https://windsor.ctvnews.ca/wdba-says-land-on-michigan-side-of-gordie-howe-bridge-is-contaminated-1.4380950 |access-date=July 24, 2023 |website=CTV News Windsor |language=en |archive-date=July 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230724151039/https://windsor.ctvnews.ca/wdba-says-land-on-michigan-side-of-gordie-howe-bridge-is-contaminated-1.4380950 |url-status=live }} An effort by the Michigan Republican Party to prevent MDOT spending money on the bridge (even if MDOT would later be reimbursed by Canada) was reversed, allowing the project to continue.{{Cite web |date=June 13, 2019 |title=Republicans reverse earlier proposal to stop Michigan spending on Gordie Howe Bridge |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/republicans-go-back-proposal-michigan-spending-gordie-howe-1.5174530 |access-date=November 3, 2023 |website=CBC News}} {{CAD|20}} million of community benefits for local residents on both sides of the Detroit River was also announced.{{Cite web |date=June 14, 2019 |title=$20M in community benefits for Windsor, Detroit announced as part of Gordie Howe Bridge Project |url=https://windsor.ctvnews.ca/20m-in-community-benefits-for-windsor-detroit-announced-as-part-of-gordie-howe-bridge-project-1.4466679 |access-date=July 24, 2023 |website=CTV News Windsor |language=en |archive-date=July 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230724151034/https://windsor.ctvnews.ca/20m-in-community-benefits-for-windsor-detroit-announced-as-part-of-gordie-howe-bridge-project-1.4466679 |url-status=live }}

In 2020, the design of new pedestrian bridges over Interstate 75 were unveiled, and work began on the foundations for the bridge towers.{{Cite web |last=Jr |first=Dave Bartkowiak |date=January 9, 2020 |title=Gordie Howe International Bridge project includes 5 new pedestrian bridges |url=https://www.clickondetroit.com/news/local/2020/01/09/update-expected-today-on-gordie-howe-international-bridge-project-in-detroit/ |access-date=July 24, 2023 |website=WDIV |language=en |archive-date=July 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230724151035/https://www.clickondetroit.com/news/local/2020/01/09/update-expected-today-on-gordie-howe-international-bridge-project-in-detroit/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Chernos |first=Saul |date=August 12, 2020 |title=Spanning the border: COVID-19 may be a game-changer, but hasn't halted progress at Gordie Howe bridge |url=https://www.on-sitemag.com/features/spanning-the-border-covid-19-may-be-a-game-changer-but-hasnt-halted-progress-at-gordie-howe-bridge/ |access-date=November 3, 2023 |website=On-Site Magazine |language=en-US}} Construction was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, with changes to working practices, travel restrictions and material shortages.{{Cite web |last=Borrelli |first=Melanie |date=September 28, 2020 |title='We have not slowed down': Gordie Howe bridge project progresses during pandemic |url=https://windsor.ctvnews.ca/we-have-not-slowed-down-gordie-howe-bridge-project-progresses-during-pandemic-1.5123479?cache=ypdchpshbgmanqg%3FclipId%3D1930113 |access-date=November 3, 2023 |website=CTV News Windsor |language=en}} In January 2021, foundation work for the bridge towers had been completed, and construction of the {{Convert|220|m|ft|abbr=on|sigfig=3}} bridge towers was underway.{{Cite web |last=Garton |first=Rich |date=January 4, 2021 |title=Banner year expected as tower construction begins on Gordie Howe Bridge |url=https://windsor.ctvnews.ca/banner-year-expected-as-tower-construction-begins-on-gordie-howe-bridge-1.5252987 |access-date=July 24, 2023 |website=CTV News Windsor |language=en |archive-date=July 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230724151035/https://windsor.ctvnews.ca/banner-year-expected-as-tower-construction-begins-on-gordie-howe-bridge-1.5252987 |url-status=live }} In March 2021, work began to construct the buildings in the Canadian port of entry.

By March 2022, legs of the bridge on both sides of the Detroit River had been completed, with road deck construction underway.{{Cite web |date=March 9, 2022 |title=Gordie Howe Bridge reaches construction milestone, as officials announce details for Sandwich Street improvements |url=https://windsor.ctvnews.ca/gordie-howe-bridge-reaches-construction-milestone-as-officials-announce-details-for-sandwich-street-improvements-1.5812676 |access-date=July 24, 2023 |website=CTV News Windsor |language=en |archive-date=July 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230724151037/https://windsor.ctvnews.ca/gordie-howe-bridge-reaches-construction-milestone-as-officials-announce-details-for-sandwich-street-improvements-1.5812676 |url-status=live }} By November 2022, over {{Convert|150|m|ft|abbr=on|sigfig=}} of the bridge towers had been completed. The WDBA noted that the bridge could open in 2025 owing to delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, however the builder of the bridge noted they were pushing for a 2024 opening date.{{Cite web |date=November 30, 2022 |title=Gordie Howe Bridge completion date likely in 2025, later than initial estimates: officials |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/gordie-howe-bridge-delayed-1.6669484 |access-date=July 24, 2023 |website=CBC News |archive-date=March 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230330141324/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/gordie-howe-bridge-delayed-1.6669484 |url-status=live }}

By May 2023, cables used to hold up the future bridge deck were starting to be installed.{{Cite web |last=Battagello |first=Dave |date=May 10, 2023 |title=Support cables going up as Gordie Howe bridge work progresses |url=https://windsorstar.com/news/local-news/gordie-howe-bridge-begins-to-take-shape |access-date=July 24, 2023 |website=Windsor Star |archive-date=May 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230510194434/https://windsorstar.com/news/local-news/gordie-howe-bridge-begins-to-take-shape |url-status=live }} In August 2023, the US bridge tower reached its final height of {{Convert|220|m|ft|abbr=on|sigfig=3}}, with the Canadian bridge tower completed in December 2023.{{Cite web |last=Battagello |first=Dave |date=August 30, 2023 |title=Completion of Gordie Howe bridge reaches another milestone |url=https://windsorstar.com/news/local-news/completion-of-gordie-howe-bridge-reaches-another-milestone |access-date=August 31, 2023 |website=Windsor Star}}{{Cite web |last=Maluske |first=Michelle |date=December 9, 2023 |title=Gordie Howe International Bridge construction reaches 'significant' milestone |url=https://windsor.ctvnews.ca/gordie-howe-international-bridge-construction-reaches-significant-milestone-1.6680797 |access-date=December 19, 2023 |website=CTV News Windsor |language=en}} In October 2023, the WDBA explained that major construction would likely be completed by the end of 2024, with elements such as signs and lighting taking another six months to install.{{Cite web |last=Vicci |first=Gino |date=October 19, 2023 |title=Gordie Howe International Bridge on schedule for completion - CBS Detroit |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/detroit/news/gordie-howe-international-bridge-on-schedule-for-completion/ |access-date=November 1, 2023 |website=CBS Detroit |language=en-US}} WDBA also noted that around 2,300 people were working on the site at the peak of construction.

In January 2024, the WDBA announced that the bridge would open by fall 2025, a delay of 10 months from the planned opening date owing to delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.{{Cite web |date=January 4, 2024 |title=New bridge connecting Detroit to Canada won't open until fall 2025 |url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/world/new-bridge-connecting-detroit-to-canada-won-t-open-until-fall-2025-1.6711483 |access-date=January 17, 2024 |website=CTV News |language=en|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240117211110/https://www.ctvnews.ca/world/new-bridge-connecting-detroit-to-canada-won-t-open-until-fall-2025-1.6711483|archive-date=17 January 2024|via=Associated Press}} It was also confirmed that the bridge deck would be completed in 2024. The two sides were permanently connected during the early morning hours of June 14, 2024.{{Cite web |date=June 14, 2024 |title=Crews complete final edge girder installation connecting both halves of Gordie Howe International Bridge |url=https://www.wxyz.com/news/crews-complete-final-edge-girder-installation-connecting-both-halves-of-gordie-howe-international-bridge |access-date=June 15, 2024 |website=WXYZ 7 News Detroit |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Cardi |first=Julia |title=Gordie Howe International Bridge on track to finish by fall 2025 |url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/detroit-city/2024/06/17/gordie-howe-bridge-completion-fall-2025/74127053007/ |access-date=June 20, 2024 |website=The Detroit News |language=en-US}} {{As of|2025|April}}, the opening date of the bridge is expected to be September 2025.{{Cite web |last=Becken |first=Bob |date=17 April 2025 |title=Trade war, slumping border traffic: What does that mean for the Gordie Howe bridge? |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/gordie-howe-bridge-trade-war-1.7513142 |access-date=23 May 2025 |website=CBC News |quote=While an exact opening date has yet to be released, September has been the target.}}

The cable-stayed bridge design is by chief bridge architect of AECOM, Erik Behrens.{{cite web |url=https://www.e-architect.co.uk/detroit/gordie-howe-international-bridge |title=Gordie Howe International Bridge |last=Welch |first=Adrian |date=January 15, 2019 |website=e-architect |language=en-GB |access-date=March 4, 2020 |archive-date=August 7, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807114552/https://www.e-architect.co.uk/detroit/gordie-howe-international-bridge |url-status=live }}{{cite journal |url=https://www.designboom.com/architecture/aecom-gordie-howe-international-bridge-north-america-01-14-2018/ |title=AECOM to build the longest cable-stayed bridge in North America |date=January 14, 2019 |journal=Designboom |language=en |access-date=March 4, 2020 |archive-date=July 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729151133/https://www.designboom.com/architecture/aecom-gordie-howe-international-bridge-north-america-01-14-2018/ |url-status=live }} Each of its two A-shaped bridge towers, standing {{Convert|220|m|ft|abbr=on|sigfig=3}} tall, is built on opposite banks of the Detroit River.{{Cite web |last=Hakimian |first=Rob |date=October 24, 2023 |title=Future of Bridges {{!}} Detroit-Windsor cable stay bridge boosts US-Canada transport links |url=https://www.newcivilengineer.com/the-future-of/future-of-bridges-detroit-windsor-cable-stay-bridge-boosts-us-canada-transport-links-24-10-2023/ |access-date=November 1, 2023 |website=New Civil Engineer |language=en}} The road deck itself is held up using 216 cable stays. It will have the longest main span of any cable-stayed bridge in North America at {{Convert|853|m|ft|abbr=on|sigfig=3}}, with a total bridge length of {{Convert|2.5|km|mi|abbr=on|sigfig=}}.{{cite web |website=Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority |url=https://www.wdbridge.com/u/files/Meetings/July%202018%20Meeting/Documents/Backgrounders%20English%20Combined.pdf |title=Backgrounder |date=July 5, 2018 |access-date=July 5, 2018 |archive-date=July 5, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180705232937/https://www.wdbridge.com/u/files/Meetings/July%202018%20Meeting/Documents/Backgrounders%20English%20Combined.pdf |url-status=live }} At the highest point above the Detroit River, the bridge will be {{Convert|46|m|ft|abbr=on|sigfig=3}} above the water. The bridge will have six lanes for automotive traffic, and a bicycle and walking path.

On the U.S side, the port of entry will encompass {{Convert|68|ha|acre}} with border inspection facilities, directly connecting to Interstate 75 with dedicated highway ramps.{{Cite web |title=Project Overview |url=https://www.gordiehoweinternationalbridge.com/en/project-overview |access-date=July 24, 2023 |website=Gordie Howe International Bridge |language=en |archive-date=July 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711210903/https://www.gordiehoweinternationalbridge.com/en/project-overview |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=Michigan Interchange |url=https://www.gordiehoweinternationalbridge.com/en/michigan-interchange |access-date=May 8, 2023 |publisher=Gordie Howe International Bridge |archive-date=May 2, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230502221205/https://www.gordiehoweinternationalbridge.com/en/michigan-interchange |url-status=live }} On the Canadian side, the port of entry will encompass {{Convert|53|ha|acre}} with border inspection facilities, toll collection and bridge maintenance facilities. It will directly connect to Ontario Highway 401. The bicycle and walking path will connect to new and existing trails as well as bike lanes on both sides of the Detroit River.{{Cite web |last=Waddell |first=Dave |date=September 9, 2022 |title=Binational trail system planned to be linked by Gordie Howe bridge |url=https://windsorstar.com/news/binational-trail-system-planned-to-be-linked-by-gordie-howe-bridge |access-date=August 11, 2023 |website=Windsor Star |archive-date=September 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220909221346/https://windsorstar.com/news/binational-trail-system-planned-to-be-linked-by-gordie-howe-bridge |url-status=live }}

With traffic crossing the border expected to grow from 18,500 vehicles a day in 2016 to 26,500 by 2025, the Gordie Howe International Bridge will provide an orderly flow of people and goods between the two countries.{{cite news |first=Jonathan |last=Oosting |url=http://www.mlive.com/news/detroit/index.ssf/2010/06/mdot_report_detroit_river_inte.html |title=MDOT Report: Detroit River International Crossing |work=MLive |location=Detroit |publisher=Booth Newspapers |date=June 17, 2010 |access-date=October 12, 2010 |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304052357/http://www.mlive.com/news/detroit/index.ssf/2010/06/mdot_report_detroit_river_inte.html |url-status=live }} Transport Canada retained the engineering firms, Morrison Hershfield, Davis Langdon, and Delcan to develop cost estimates for right of way and utility relocation; design and construction; and operation and maintenance on the Canadian side of the crossing.{{cite report |date=May 1, 2010 |url=http://www.partnershipborderstudy.com/pdf/4-29-10/2-2010-04-29.DRIC.Report.to.Legislature.with.Appendices.A.%26.D.pdf |title=Report to the Legislature of the State of Michigan Responding to Public Act 116 of 2009, Section 384 |publisher=Michigan Department of Transportation |access-date=October 12, 2010 |archive-date=July 15, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110715045603/http://www.partnershipborderstudy.com/pdf/4-29-10/2-2010-04-29.DRIC.Report.to.Legislature.with.Appendices.A.%26.D.pdf |url-status=live }}

The project will include several pieces of public art. During construction, artworks by local artists were placed on the jump forms within which the bridge towers were built.{{Cite web |last=Fraser |first=Kaitie |date=November 28, 2020 |title=Indigenous art set to soar on Gordie Howe International Bridge project |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/indigenous-artwork-featured-on-gordie-howe-bridge-1.5820262 |access-date=July 24, 2023 |website=CBC News |archive-date=July 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230724151034/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/indigenous-artwork-featured-on-gordie-howe-bridge-1.5820262 |url-status=live }} The art on the Canadian bridge tower was undertaken by artists from Walpole Island First Nation and Caldwell First Nation, with the art on the American bridge tower undertaken by Roberto Villalobos, an artist from Southwest Detroit.{{Cite web |title=Bridge Tower Artwork |url=https://www.gordiehoweinternationalbridge.com/en/Visual-Art-Program |access-date=July 24, 2023 |website=Gordie Howe International Bridge |language=en |archive-date=July 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230724151036/https://www.gordiehoweinternationalbridge.com/en/Visual-Art-Program |url-status=live }} Following removal, the murals were subsequently donated to organisations and municipalities on both sides of the river.

A piece by Canadian artist Sara Graham involves cast concrete patterns on the outside of a maintenance building.{{Cite web |date=February 15, 2023 |title=Artist shares vision with the world on Gordie Howe International Bridge |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/art-facade-gordie-howe-bridge-1.6749504 |access-date=July 24, 2023 |website=CBC News |archive-date=July 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230724151034/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/art-facade-gordie-howe-bridge-1.6749504 |url-status=live }} An {{Convert|3|m|ft|abbr=on|sigfig=2}} high sculpture of tree bark by Anishinaabe artist Michael Belmore recognizes and celebrates First Nations, which will be visible as traffic enters and leaves the Canadian Port of Entry.{{Cite web |last=Battagello |first=Dave |date=June 18, 2023 |title=Indigenous artist commissioned for Gordie Howe bridge project |url=https://windsorstar.com/news/local-news/indigenous-artist-commissioned-for-gordie-howe-bridge-project |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230619053444/https://windsorstar.com/news/local-news/indigenous-artist-commissioned-for-gordie-howe-bridge-project |archive-date=June 19, 2023 |access-date=July 24, 2023 |website=Windsor Star}}{{Cite web |last=Otterbein |first=Kate |date=October 10, 2024 |title=Indigenous artwork to be incorporated into Gordie Howe International Bridge project |url=https://windsor.ctvnews.ca/indigenous-artwork-to-be-incorporated-into-gordie-howe-international-bridge-project-1.7069765 |access-date=October 24, 2024 |website=CTV News Windsor |language=en}}

Other artworks are being developed, with Canadian artist Jordan Sook commissioned to create an artwork to commemorate the Underground Railroad. Sook was chosen from a selection of Canadian artists from the Black, African and Caribbean diaspora.{{Cite web |date=March 9, 2023 |title=Gordie Howe Bridge to feature art that commemorates the Underground Railroad |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/gordie-howe-bridge-art-1.6772518 |access-date=July 24, 2023 |website=CBC News}}{{Cite web |date=June 20, 2024 |title=Make a Joyful Noise: Commemorative Art Concept on Gordie Howe International Bridge Project Unveiled |url=https://www.gordiehoweinternationalbridge.com/en/Make-a-Joyful-Noise-Commemorative-Art-Concept |access-date=June 20, 2024 |website=Gordie Howe International Bridge |language=en}} Canadian artist Douglas Coupland has been commissioned to provide architectural lighting for the bridge.{{cite web |last1=Craggs |first1=Samantha |date=October 24, 2024 |title=This iconic Canadian artist and author is creating a light show on Canada's new border crossing |url=https://www.cbc.ca/1.7362631 |access-date=October 27, 2024 |website=CBC News}}{{Cite web |date=October 24, 2024 |title=Renowned Canadian Artist Selected to Create Aesthetic Bridge Lighting Commission for the Gordie Howe International Bridge |url=https://www.gordiehoweinternationalbridge.com/en/Renowned-Canadian-Artist-Selected-to-Create-Aesthetic-Bridge-Lighting-Commission-for-the-Gordie-Howe-International-Bridge |access-date=October 27, 2024 |website=Gordie Howe International Bridge |language=en}}

{{Main|Ontario_Highway_401#Rt._Hon._Herb_Gray_Parkway|l1 = Rt. Hon. Herb Gray Parkway}}

File:Highway 401 westbound Windsor.jpg in Windsor to the bridge opened in 2015, as the Rt. Hon. Herb Gray Parkway]]

In Canada, the bridge will connect to an extension of Ontario Highway 401 locally named the Rt. Hon. Herb Gray Parkway, on its east side. The parkway is below-grade and has six through-lanes. It follows (but does not replace) Talbot Road and Huron Church Road from a new interchange at the former end of Highway 401 to the E. C. Row Expressway, where it runs concurrently westward for {{cvt|2|km|mi}}. From there, it turns northwest and follows a new alignment to the border.{{cite web |author=Detroit River International Crossing Study Team |date=May 1, 2008 |title=Parkway Map |url=http://www.weparkway.ca/pdfs/Prelim_Parkway-Rendered_June09(608x2250)2.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706213130/http://www.weparkway.ca/pdfs/Prelim_Parkway-Rendered_June09(608x2250)2.pdf |archive-date=July 6, 2011 |access-date=February 26, 2010 |publisher=URS Corporation}} The parkway also features {{Convert|300|acres|km2}} of green space and over {{Convert|20|km|mi}} of recreational trails, with seven bridges and two tunnels separating the trails from roads.{{Cite web |last=Battagello |first=Dave |date=December 27, 2015 |title=New parkway trails to open amid much fanfare |url=https://windsorstar.com/news/local-news/parkway-trails-described-as-amazing |access-date=August 27, 2023 |website=Windsor Star}}{{Cite web |last=Pomerleau |first=Jason |title=Herb Gray Parkway Trail |url=https://www.visitwindsoressex.com/places/herb-gray-parkway-trail/ |access-date=August 27, 2023 |website=Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island |language=en-US}} Full construction of the parkway began in 2011,{{cite news |last=Puzic |first=Sonja |date=May 7, 2011 |title=Parkway Work To Start in August, MPP Says |newspaper=Windsor Star |url=https://windsorstar.com/health/Parkway+work+start+August+says/4743891/story.html |access-date=May 10, 2011 |archive-date=August 11, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110811161336/http://www.windsorstar.com/health/Parkway+work+start+August+says/4743891/story.html |url-status=live }} and was completed in November 2015 at a cost of {{CAD|1.4 billion}}.{{cite news |date=November 20, 2015 |title=Herb Gray Parkway construction work is all done, Transportation Minister says |work=CBC News |url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/herb-gray-parkway-construction-work-is-all-done-transportation-minister-says-1.3327755 |url-status=live |access-date=August 24, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151213213604/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/herb-gray-parkway-construction-work-is-all-done-transportation-minister-says-1.3327755 |archive-date=December 13, 2015}}{{cite web |title=The Windsor-Essex Parkway |url=http://www.infrastructureontario.ca/uploadedFiles/Backgrounder%20-%20Windsor-Essex%20Parkway%20Groundbreaking%20%282011-08-18%29.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304035835/http://www.infrastructureontario.ca/uploadedFiles/Backgrounder%20-%20Windsor-Essex%20Parkway%20Groundbreaking%20(2011-08-18).pdf |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |access-date=February 27, 2016 |website=Infrastructureontario.ca}}

Construction of the Rt. Hon. Herb Gray Parkway that links to the bridge on the Canadian side was hampered by concerns it could affect Ontario's last known habitat of Butler's garter snakes.{{cite news |date=January 7, 2010 |title=Snake in path of parkway |newspaper=Windsor Star |url=http://www.canada.com/story_print.html?id=3165a394-7707-4efe-a901-cd416c528cc5 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150808170951/http://www.canada.com/story_print.html?id=3165a394-7707-4efe-a901-cd416c528cc5 |archive-date=August 8, 2015}} During the construction process, biologists relocated the snakes (including eastern fox snakes, and the garters—of which there were a larger number than originally thought), with their new habitats protected by a specially-designed above and below-ground fencing system along affected portions of the E. C. Row Expressway.{{cite news |last=Vander Doelen |first=Chris |date=August 31, 2012 |title=Windsor-Essex Parkway One Year Later |newspaper=Windsor Star |url=https://windsorstar.com/news/local-news/windsor-essex-parkway-one-year-later |access-date=November 19, 2021 |archive-date=November 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211120064004/https://windsorstar.com/news/local-news/windsor-essex-parkway-one-year-later |url-status=live }}

In the United States, the bridge will connect to Interstate 75 with dedicated ramps. {{Convert|3|km|mi|abbr=on|sigfig=}} of the highway is being rebuilt and widened, local roads will be improved and new pedestrian bridges will be built across the highway.{{Cite web |title=US Port of Entry and Michigan Interchange Ramp Construction |url=https://www.gordiehoweinternationalbridge.com/en/US-Port-of-Entry-and-Michigan-Interchange-Ramp-Construction |access-date=August 17, 2023 |website=Gordie Howe International Bridge |language=en |archive-date=August 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230817125535/https://www.gordiehoweinternationalbridge.com/en/US-Port-of-Entry-and-Michigan-Interchange-Ramp-Construction |url-status=live }} Noise walls will also be built to mitigate impacts to the Southwest Detroit neighbourhood.{{Cite web |date=2022 |title=I-75 Noise Walls |url=https://www.gordiehoweinternationalbridge.com/en/I-75-Noise-Walls |access-date=August 17, 2023 |website=Gordie Howe International Bridge |language=en |archive-date=August 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230817125544/https://www.gordiehoweinternationalbridge.com/en/I-75-Noise-Walls |url-status=live }}

The multi-use path on the bridge will be the first legal pedestrian crossing of the Detroit River, connecting to local streets and trails on both of its sides.{{Cite web |last=Ellison |first=Garret |date=September 13, 2022 |title=Bike, pedestrian path to Canada coming to new international bridge |url=https://www.mlive.com/public-interest/2022/09/bike-pedestrian-path-to-canada-coming-to-new-international-bridge.html |access-date=November 3, 2023 |website=mlive |language=en}} The bridge will be part of the Trans Canada Trail,{{Cite web |last=Kentner |first=Melanie |date=February 9, 2024 |title=Gordie Howe International Bridge joins Trans Canada Trail |url=https://windsor.ctvnews.ca/gordie-howe-international-bridge-joins-trans-canada-trail-1.6762816 |access-date=February 10, 2024 |website=CTV Windsor |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Campbell |first=Taylor |date=February 9, 2024 |title=Gordie Howe becomes first international bridge to join Trans Canada Trail |url=https://windsorstar.com/news/local-news/gordie-howe-becomes-first-international-bridge-to-join-trans-canada-trail |access-date=February 10, 2024 |website=Windsor Star}} linking trail networks on both sides of the river including the Canadian Great Lakes Waterfront Trail, as well as the American Iron Belle Trail and the Great Lakes Way. Crossing the bridge on foot or cycle will be free.

Alongside the construction of the bridge, {{USD|20}} million was allocated to various community benefit projects in both the United States and Canada.{{Cite web |title=Community Benefits |url=https://www.gordiehoweinternationalbridge.com/en/community-benefits-section |access-date=November 1, 2023 |website=Gordie Howe International Bridge |language=en}} Projects included support for local community groups,{{Cite web |date=June 16, 2021 |title=Gordie Howe Bridge donates another $50,000 to Detroit and Delray groups |url=https://www.fox2detroit.com/news/gordie-howe-bridge-donates-another-50000-to-detroit-and-delray-groups |access-date=November 3, 2023 |website=FOX 2 Detroit |language=en-US}} improvements to local parks and trails,{{Cite web |last=Campbell |first=Taylor |date=November 2, 2023 |title=Gordie Howe bridge team unveils Malden Park observation area |url=https://windsorstar.com/news/local-news/gordie-howe-bridge-team-unveils-malden-park-observation-area |access-date=November 3, 2023 |website=Windsor Star}} and improvements to local streets.{{Cite web |last=Maru |first=Sanjay |date=March 9, 2022 |title=Gordie Howe Bridge reaches construction milestone, as officials announce details for Sandwich Street improvements |url=https://windsor.ctvnews.ca/gordie-howe-bridge-reaches-construction-milestone-as-officials-announce-details-for-sandwich-street-improvements-1.5812676 |access-date=November 3, 2023 |website=CTV News Windsor |language=en}} Grants were also awarded for home improvements in Delray,{{Cite web |last=Mann |first=Priya |date=July 27, 2023 |title=Delray residents impacted by Detroit bridge construction can get home repairs for free -- here's how |url=https://www.clickondetroit.com/community/2023/06/14/delray-residents-impacted-by-detroit-bridge-construction-can-get-home-repairs-for-free-heres-how/ |access-date=November 3, 2023 |website=WDIV |language=en}} and to Walpole Island First Nation.

Contractors were also encouraged to employ residents of Detroit and Windsor, and the wider Metro Detroit and Essex County areas, alongside work to provide apprenticeships and training to workers.

File:Ambassadorbridgefrombase.jpg (opened in 1929), owned by the Moroun family]]

The most vocal opposition to the new crossing came from American billionaire Manuel "Matty" Moroun (1927–2020), owner of the nearby Ambassador Bridge. He sued the governments of Canada and Michigan to stop its construction, and released a proposal to build a second span of the Ambassador Bridge (which he would have owned) instead.{{cite news |work=CBC News |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/ambassador-bridge-boss-sues-canada-u-s-1.904666 |title=Ambassador Bridge Boss Sues Canada, U.S |date=March 26, 2010 |access-date=April 20, 2011 |archive-date=December 16, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101216064434/http://www.cbc.ca/canada/windsor/story/2010/03/25/windsor-ambassador-bridge-owner-sues.html |url-status=live }} Critics suggest that Moroun's opposition was fueled by the prospect of lost profits from duty-free gasoline sales, which are exempt from about 60 cents per gallon in taxes even though the pump price to consumers is only a few cents lower.{{cite news |first=Dawson |last=Bell |url=http://www.freep.com/article/20110425/NEWS06/104250381/Tax-free-fuel-sales-bonanza-Ambassador-Bridge-owners |title=Tax-Free Fuel Sales Are Bonanza for Ambassador Bridge Owners |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |date=April 25, 2011 |access-date=April 25, 2011 |archive-date=January 28, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160128115743/http://www.freep.com/article/20110425/NEWS06/104250381/Tax-free-fuel-sales-bonanza-Ambassador-Bridge-owners |url-status=dead }}

In early June 2011, the conservative advocacy group Americans for Prosperity posted bogus eviction notices on homes in Detroit's Delray district. With the words "Eviction Notice" in large type, the notices told homeowners their properties could be taken by the Michigan Department of Transportation to make way for the proposed new bridge. The group's state director said the fake notices were intended to get residents to contact state lawmakers, to ask them to vote against the bridge project.{{cite news |last=Gallagher |first=John |date=June 7, 2011 |title=Conservative Group: Fake Eviction Notices Were 'Meant To Startle People' |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |url=http://www.freep.com/article/20110607/BUSINESS06/110607025/Conservative-group-Fake-eviction-notices-were-meant-startle-people-?odyssey=tab |access-date=June 7, 2011 |archive-date=June 10, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110610144630/http://www.freep.com/article/20110607/BUSINESS06/110607025/Conservative-group-Fake-eviction-notices-were-meant-startle-people-?odyssey=tab |url-status=live }} Americans for Prosperity charged that the project would be a waste of taxpayer money if toll revenues did not cover debt service.{{cite news |last=White |first=Joseph B. |date=October 10, 2011 |title=Is Span Plan a Bridge Too Far? |newspaper=The Wall Street Journal |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052970203791904576609282656749982 |access-date=April 19, 2015 |archive-date=April 19, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150419103941/http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052970203791904576609282656749982 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last=Christoff |first=Chris |date=September 16, 2011 |title=Detroit Span Owner Keeps Canada Crossing With Koch Aid |magazine=Bloomberg Business |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2011-09-14/detroit-bridge-owner-gets-kochs-backing-to-keep-canada-crossing-his-alone |access-date=April 19, 2015 |archive-date=May 25, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150525160748/http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2011-09-14/detroit-bridge-owner-gets-kochs-backing-to-keep-canada-crossing-his-alone |url-status=live }}

In July 2011, the Canadian Transit Company, the Canadian side of Moroun ownership of the Ambassador Bridge,{{cite book |author=Avalon Consulting Professionals of Ontario |url=http://www.ambassadorbridge.com/!Downloads/Appendix_K_Windsor_Plan.pdf |title=CEAA Environmental Impact Assessment |date=April 2011 |publisher=Canadian Transit Company |chapter=Appendix K: Windsor Official Plan |medium=Report |access-date=December 16, 2011 |archive-date=April 20, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120420102456/http://www.ambassadorbridge.com/!Downloads/Appendix_K_Windsor_Plan.pdf |url-status=live }} began running advertisements against the DRIC proposal, calling it a "$2.2 billion road to nowhere".{{cite news |last=LeBlanc |first=Daniel |date=July 20, 2011 |title=Are U.S. Opponents of Windsor Bridge Trying To Influence Election? |newspaper=The Globe and Mail |location=Toronto |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/are-us-opponents-of-windsor-bridge-trying-to-influence-election/article2102603/ |access-date=July 20, 2011 |archive-date=July 21, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721025034/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/are-us-opponents-of-windsor-bridge-trying-to-influence-election/article2102603/ |url-status=live }} The phone number listed for Canadian Transit Company forwarded to a phone number in Michigan, and the Canadian Transit Company previously held its 2011 annual meeting at the offices of the Detroit International Bridge Company.{{cite journal |last=Stamper |first=Dan |date=May 14, 2011 |title=Miscellaneous Notices: The Canadian Transit Company |url=http://www.gazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p1/2011/2011-05-14/html/misc-divers-eng.html#g105 |journal=Canada Gazette |volume=145 |issue=20 |access-date=August 3, 2011 |archive-date=May 21, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110521002356/http://www.gazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p1/2011/2011-05-14/html/misc-divers-eng.html#g105 |url-status=live }} MPP Dwight Duncan advised that he was investigating whether or not the ads violated Ontario's election laws, which disallow public spending by foreign lobbyists.

In 2012, Moroun spent more than {{USD|30 million}} promoting a proposed amendment to the Michigan Constitution that, had it passed, would have required approval of both the voters of Detroit and the voters of Michigan in statewide elections to build the bridge.{{cite news |first1=Nathan |last1=Bomey |first2=Brent |last2=Snavely |title=UAW, Moroun Said To Be Allies in Battle To Block New U.S.–Canada Bridge |url=http://www.freep.com/article/20121012/BUSINESS06/310120154/UAW-Moroun-said-to-be-allies-in-battle-to-block-new-U-S-Canada-bridge |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |date=October 12, 2012 |access-date=October 16, 2012 |archive-date=October 15, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121015130506/http://www.freep.com/article/20121012/BUSINESS06/310120154/UAW-Moroun-said-to-be-allies-in-battle-to-block-new-U-S-Canada-bridge |url-status=live }} NPR affiliate network Michigan Public aired a story on November 2, four days before the vote, which indicated the amendment's "seemingly neutral language masks a very specific—and bitter—political battle".{{cite news |last=Cwiek |first=Sarah |url=https://www.npr.org/2012/11/02/164157349/in-michigan-a-contentious-battle-over-a-bridge |title=In Michigan, A Contentious Battle Over A Bridge |publisher=Michigan Radio |date=November 2, 2012 |access-date=November 2, 2012 |archive-date=November 3, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103082711/http://www.npr.org/2012/11/02/164157349/in-michigan-a-contentious-battle-over-a-bridge |url-status=live }} The ballot proposal was defeated by a 60 percent to 40 percent margin, paving the way for the project to proceed.{{cite news |date=November 7, 2012 |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/transport-minister-says-path-clear-for-detroit-windsor-bridge-1.1258746 |title=Transport Minister Says 'Path Clear' for Detroit–Windsor Bridge |work=CBC News |access-date=November 7, 2012 |archive-date=November 7, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107135635/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/story/2012/11/07/wdr-michigan-proposal-six-bridge-windsor-detroit.html |url-status=live }}

In the 2010s, Moroun undertook several lawsuits alleging that the 2013 crossing agreement was illegal (and should not have been approved by the U.S. State Department),{{Cite web |last=Spangler |first=Todd |date=June 21, 2016 |title=Judge voids last count in Moroun lawsuit against feds |url=https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/detroit/2016/06/21/judge-voids-last-count-moroun-lawsuit-against-feds/86208974/. |access-date=August 11, 2023 |website=Detroit Free Press |archive-date=August 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230811205330/https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/detroit/2016/06/21/judge-voids-last-count-moroun-lawsuit-against-feds/86208974/ |url-status=live }} as well as alleging that they had exclusive rights to a span connecting Detroit to Windsor.{{Cite web |date=September 30, 2015 |title=Billionaire Matty Moroun Largely Loses In International Bridge Dispute With State - CBS Detroit |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/detroit/news/billionaire-matty-moroun-largely-loses-in-international-bridge-dispute/ |access-date=August 11, 2023 |website=www.cbsnews.com |language=en-US}} In 2015, the Supreme Court of the United States declined to hear a challenge by Moroun regarding the choice of location for the bridge.{{Cite web |last=Spangler |first=Todd |date=February 23, 2015 |title=Supreme Court turns down Moroun challenge to new bridge |url=https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/2015/02/23/bridge-lawsuit-rejected/23897709/ |access-date=August 11, 2023 |website=Detroit Free Press}} In June 2016, the last of these lawsuits by Moroun was dismissed, allowing the project to continue.

In 2018, the company aired television ads on Fox & Friends asking President Donald Trump to cancel the project.{{cite news |url=https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2018/06/20/moroun-trump-gordie-howe-bridge/717408002/ |title=Moroun TV ad asks Trump to pick America, reject Gordie Howe bridge |last=Spangler |first=Todd |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |date=June 20, 2018 |access-date=September 29, 2018 |archive-date=June 30, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190630082756/https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2018/06/20/moroun-trump-gordie-howe-bridge/717408002/ |url-status=live }} Instead, in December 2019, Trump signed the first U.S. funding, allocating up to $15 million, for customs and border protection for the bridge into law.{{cite news |last=Mauger |first=Craig |title=Gordie Howe bridge project scores $15 million in federal funds |date=January 2, 2020 |url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/politics/2020/01/02/gordie-howe-bridge-project-scores-15-million-federal-funds/2795404001/ |newspaper=The Detroit News |access-date=November 26, 2021 |archive-date=November 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211126170105/https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/politics/2020/01/02/gordie-howe-bridge-project-scores-15-million-federal-funds/2795404001/ |url-status=live }} In May 2018, the Michigan Court of Appeals ruled against Moroun's attempt to stop expropriations on the Michigan side of the river, allowing construction of the bridge to begin. Further efforts by Moroun to prevent construction were denied in June 2020.{{Cite web |last=Livengood |first=Chad |date=June 18, 2020 |title=Court of Appeals rejects Moroun challenges to Gordie Howe bridge project |url=https://www.crainsdetroit.com/transportation/court-appeals-rejects-moroun-challenges-gordie-howe-bridge-project |access-date=November 1, 2023 |website=Crains Detroit}}

In July 2020, Matty Moroun died aged 93, with his family maintaining their ownership of the Ambassador Bridge.{{Cite web |last=Gallagher |first=John |date=July 14, 2020 |title=Manuel 'Matty' Moroun, controversial bridge owner and trucking magnate, dies at 93 |url=https://www.freep.com/in-depth/money/business/2020/07/13/manuel-matty-moroun-ambassador-bridge-obituary/5431053002/ |access-date=November 1, 2023 |website=Detroit Free Press |language=en-us}} In 2022, the Detroit Free Press reported that Moroun's family were preparing a case for damages, following the acquisition of properties by eminent domain for bridge construction.{{Cite web |last=Macdonald |first=Christine |last2=Mcmurtrie |first2=Layla |date=August 18, 2022 |title=Moroun builds case for 'substantial' damages over his properties lost to competing bridge |url=https://eu.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/detroit/2022/07/18/moroun-properties-bridge-canada-gordie-howe-international-bridge/7821846001/ |access-date=November 1, 2023 |website=Detroit Free Press}}

File:Gordie Howe Chex card.jpg with the Detroit Red Wings in the 1960s]]

Snyder stated that he had "not [been] crazy" about naming the bridge the Detroit River International Crossing, noting that "DRIC" was intended only to be the name of the commission sponsoring the bridge, and not the bridge itself. Concerns were also acknowledged that the abbreviated name was too close to that of the Detroit International Bridge Company (DIBC)—that would be too sensitive given its objections to the project. Sometime afterward, the working name for the project became the New International Trade Crossing (NITC), garnering the endorsement of 139 organizations and individuals.{{cite report |url=http://www.freep.com/assets/freep/pdf/C4173444422.PDF |title=Supporting the New International Trade Crossing and Public Private Partnership Legislation |date=April 21, 2011 |access-date=May 9, 2011 |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |archive-date=October 6, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121006203743/http://www.freep.com/assets/freep/pdf/C4173444422.PDF |url-status=live }} It was under the NITC name that the project was approved by the U.S. State Department on April 12, 2013.

In late 2010, David Bradley, president of the Ontario Trucking Association, proposed naming the bridge in honor of Canadian professional ice hockey player Gordie Howe, who played the bulk of his career for the Detroit Red Wings. The naming was supported by a number of Canadian politicians, along with Howe's son Marty—who felt the name would have been symbolic of him having come from Canada to spend his NHL career in Detroit.{{cite news |last=Wattrick |first=Jeff |title=Forget the DRIC, How About the Gordie Howe International Bridge? |url=http://www.mlive.com/news/detroit/index.ssf/2011/02/forget_the_dric_how_about_the.html |newspaper=MLive |location=Detroit |date=February 3, 2011 |access-date=February 5, 2011 |archive-date=June 18, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180618203835/http://www.mlive.com/news/detroit/index.ssf/2011/02/forget_the_dric_how_about_the.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last=Noble |first=Chris |url=http://blogs.marketwatch.com/canada/2011/02/08/gordie-howe-bridge-floated-as-new-spans-name/ |title=Gordie Howe Bridge Floated as New Span's Name |work=MarketWatch |date=February 8, 2011 |access-date=November 2, 2012 |archive-date=June 10, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160610103553/http://blogs.marketwatch.com/canada/2011/02/08/gordie-howe-bridge-floated-as-new-spans-name/ |url-status=dead }}

On May 14, 2015, during an event attended by then-Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, it was officially announced that the bridge would be known as the Gordie Howe International Bridge.{{cite news |title=Gordie Howe International Bridge to connect Windsor and Detroit |url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/gordie-howe-international-bridge-to-connect-windsor-and-detroit-1.3074243 |access-date=May 14, 2015 |work=CBC News |date=May 14, 2015 |archive-date=February 13, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210213162159/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/gordie-howe-international-bridge-to-connect-windsor-and-detroit-1.3074243 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last=Gallagher |first=John |date=May 14, 2015 |title='Mr. Hockey' gets his own bridge |newspaper=Detroit Free Press |url=https://www.freep.com/story/money/business/michigan/2015/05/14/snyder-harper-bridge-detroit-windsor-gordie-howe-hockey/27310243/ |access-date=December 13, 2019 |archive-date=July 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210711023752/https://www.freep.com/story/money/business/michigan/2015/05/14/snyder-harper-bridge-detroit-windsor-gordie-howe-hockey/27310243/ |url-status=live }} Howe, 87 and in ailing health, did not attend the ceremony. Later, when asked by his son what he thought about the naming, Howe remarked "That sounds pretty good to me."{{cite news |url=https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/politics/2015/05/14/detroit-river-bridge-canada/27289907/ |title=Snyder: Naming bridge after Gordie Howe a no-brainer |newspaper=The Detroit News |access-date=November 16, 2018 |language=en |archive-date=April 24, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190424125523/https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/politics/2015/05/14/detroit-river-bridge-canada/27289907/ |url-status=live }} Howe died one year later on June 10, 2016.{{cite news |title=Movement grows to rename arena Gordie Howe Arena |url=http://www.fox2detroit.com/news/local-news/156966493-story |work=WJBK News |date=June 10, 2016 |access-date=June 12, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170120151113/http://www.fox2detroit.com/news/local-news/156966493-story |archive-date=January 20, 2017 |url-status=dead}}{{cite news |title=Gordie Howe exposé en chapelle ardente |url=http://www.journaldemontreal.com/2016/06/11/une-petition-pour-honorer-gordie-howe |newspaper=Le Journal de Montréal |date=June 11, 2016 |access-date=June 12, 2016 |language=fr |trans-title=Gordie Howe Visitation in Emotional Chapel |archive-date=June 11, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160611191725/http://www.journaldemontreal.com/2016/06/11/une-petition-pour-honorer-gordie-howe |url-status=live }}

{{Portal|Transport|Engineering|Ontario|Michigan}}

• Detroit–Windsor Tunnel, a car-van-bus link between the two cities
• Blue Water Bridge, connecting Port Huron, Michigan, to Sarnia, Ontario
• Infrastructure policy of Donald Trump
• List of bridges in Canada
• List of international bridges in North America

{{Reflist|30em}}

• {{Official website}}
• [http://www.partnershipborderstudy.com/ Detroit River International Crossing Project]
• [https://www.michigan.gov/mdot/projects-studies/special-construction/gordie-howe-international-bridge Gordie Howe International Bridge] - Michigan Department of Transportation page on Gordie Howe Bridge
• [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E-Jz4Vr9S-k Video of the Highway 401 extension that will connect to the Gordie Howe Bridge]
• {{cite magazine |url=https://harpers.org/archive/2017/12/crossing-guards/ |title=Crossing Guards |last=Mossman |first=Matt |magazine=Harper's Magazine |date=December 2017 |access-date=November 27, 2017}}

{{Crossings navbox

|structure = Crossings

|place = Detroit River

|bridge = Gordie Howe International Bridge (future)

|bridge signs =

|upstream = Ambassador Bridge

|upstream signs =

|downstream = Detroit–Windsor Truck Ferry

|downstream signs =

}}

{{Windsor, Ontario}}

Category:Bridges in Detroit

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Category:Gordie Howe