Total length 2.5 km - Width 37.5 m - Height 220 m - Longest span 853 m . © 2022 Gordie Howe International Bridge
Gordie Howe International Bridge
Named after one of the most resilient and iconic hockey players of all time , the Gordie Howe International Bridge is poised for greatness , providing a visually stunning transportation route across the Detroit River , connecting Canada and the United States .
Text by Nickel Institute
The 2.5 km six-lane crossing will be the longest cable-stayed bridge in North America , with a main span of over 850m linking Detroit , Michigan with Windsor , Ontario . It will serve the busiest international border crossing in North America in terms of trade volume .
Total length 2.5 km - Width 37.5 m - Height 220 m - Longest span 853 m . © 2022 Gordie Howe International Bridge
In the early 2000s , there was a growing concern by both countries that the existing Ambassador Bridge , owned privately and built in 1929 , was in need of significant repair and the four-lane structure could not meet future traffic volume . The Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority ( WDBA ) formed a public-private partnership ( PPP ) with Bridging North America , a consortium of companies with the expertise needed to spearhead this massive infrastructure undertaking .
Design life 125 years Construction began July , 2018 with a design life of 125 years . A comprehensive evaluation plan was required to ensure the selection of appropriate materials . The PPP engineers chose the superior corrosion-resistant properties of ASTM
955 Type 2304 ( UNS S32304 ) or Type 2205 ( S32205 ) stainless steel to ensure long-term durability of the critical reinforced concrete structural elements exposed directly to de-icing salts and splash zones . With trade between the two countries booming again after slowdowns during the COVID pandemic , there is great anticipation about the completion and opening in the Fall of 2025 . A big score for Canada and the US .
About Nickel Institute
The Nickel Institute is the global association of leading primary nickel producers . Its mission is to advocate for the responsible supply and sustainable development of nickel and the nickel industry . For information please visit nickelinstitute . org
12 Stainless Steel World September 2024 www . stainless-steel-world . net