2000 days later: Gordie Howe bridge celebrates milestone

The Gordie Howe International Bridge over the Detroit River, posted on March 22, 2024. (GordieHoweBrg/X)

The Gordie Howe International Bridge project team is celebrating 2000 days and over 12 million hours worked since construction started on the infrastructure project.

The milestone was reached on March 27.

Construction started on Oct. 5, 2018. Over this time, bridge officials said the team’s highest priority has been its commitment to safety. Integrating sustainable features throughout the design and construction, the team has completed specific activities or advanced to the next stage of work across all four project components.

“The great progress across all components of the Gordie Howe International Bridge project is the direct result of the collaboration between our partners, contractors, craft workers and so many others who have come together to make this vision a reality. I applaud the trades for their tireless efforts and determination in building a once-in-a-generation landmark and their commitment to safety and quality,”said Charl van Niekerk, Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority CEO.

Here’s an update on construction:

The artworks that previously adorned the tower jump form systems have been accepted by the Canadian Transportation Museum and Heritage Village, the City of Windsor in partnership with Museum Windsor and Art Windsor-Essex, the City of Detroit, Ironworkers Local 25 and Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights Local 687.

Sticker Design Contest

To mark “2000 Days of Construction”, community members of all ages are invited to participate in a hard hat sticker design contest. Hard hat stickers have special meaning for onsite crews. Not only do they designate training, certification and union affiliation, they also represent projects and construction sites worked. For this contest, community members are asked to develop an image that celebrates all-things construction and honours those working across all four project component sites. The contest is now open and ends April 26, 2024.