Mind the Gap (on Gordie Howe Bridge) by Andrew Dean

EDITOR’S NOTE: I know I just shared a pic of this bridge, but on my post about the Gordie Howe Bridge last week there was such a depressing eruption of ignorant & nativist nonsense that I remembered why I decided to put Michigan in Pictures to bed a while back. I need to be super clear: I am a progressive. I believe all people have a right to good food, clean water, and a warm place to live. I also believe that the United States is far better when we open up to the world. It’s fine if you don’t believe in that, but if you disbelieve in a disrespectful fashion or in any way attack decent folks, I’ll block you so fast you won’t believe it. OK now on to the post:

The Gordie Howe Bridge connecting Windsor, Ontario to Detroit, Michigan is expected to be completed in time for a September 2025 opening. The Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority shared an update earlier this year that says (in part):

Having delivered the busiest year of construction to date, the Gordie Howe International Bridge project team is able to confirm a new completion and opening timeline. Construction completion is planned for September 2025 with the first vehicles expected to travel across the bridge that fall.

Originally, the $5.7 billion (CDN) project was scheduled for completion in November 2024 with opening anticipated by the end of that year. However, the project, like many others, experienced unprecedented disruptions as a result of the COVID-19 global pandemic. The disruptions were even more prevalent for the Gordie Howe International Bridge project given the differing applicable restrictions in the US and Canada, combined with the ramping up of construction activities in early 2020.

…Recognizing that an extended construction period impacts the project host communities, WDBA has budgeted for a one-year extension of the Gordie Howe International Bridge Community Benefits Plan. With $3 million (CDN) to be divided equally between Canada and the US and expended over the 2025-2026 fiscal year, residents and business owners in Sandwich/west Windsor and Delray/Southwest Detroit will see positive outcomes from further regional investments. Additional details on the approach to allocating this funding will be shared later in 2024.

Andrew shared this photo or the small remaining gap in the bridge along with several others. Click through to his Facebook for many more great shots. Head over to his website to view & purchase his work or drone services.

More bridges on Michigan in Pictures!