Planning and design of the Gordie Howe International Bridge

Abstract

The Gordie Howe International Bridge project is providing a new modern border crossing between Windsor, Ontario, Canada and Detroit, Michigan, USA. The centerpiece of the project is a 2.5km long cable-stayed bridge with 853m main span over the Detroit River and 220m tall towers on both sides of the river. In addition to the bridge, the project includes ports of entry on both sides of the border and new freeway interchange with Interstate-75 in Detroit. The project was procured as a public-private partnership that allowed the proponents to propose either a suspension or cable-stayed bridge; with the ultimate selection creating the longest cable-stayed bridge in North America. The paper outlines the need for the new border crossing and results of the environmental assessment process, as well as describing the project evolution from planning through procurement and into detailed design. The scoping of the bridge design parameters is discussed including comprehensive geotechnical investigation; load study to develop project-specific live loading; the approach for durability requirements to achieve a 125-year service life; special considerations for security; wind engineering; and compliance with both Canadian and US design codes. The paper also discusses the approach to achieving an aesthetically pleasing bridge design.