A statement from the interim chair of the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority appears to be asking for patience from residents in Windsor-Essex.
Dwight Duncan was responding to questions from media about the latest delays in the Gordie Howe International Bridge project. Selection of the consortium that will build the largest infrastructure project in recent memory has passed two deadlines already with no indication when an announcement will be made.
"We are addressing the multitude of complexities that accompany a project of the scope and magnitude of this one. We will release the Request for Proposals to the short-listed respondents in a timely fashion. It is evident to me that greater clarity is needed on all of these complexities before full construction begins."
A second release from the authority says all but three of the 300 properties required on the Canadian side are purchased, and a local contractor has a $60-million contract for early works to prepare that site. It's also working currently with partners on both sides of the border to buy up the remaining properties on the Detroit side of the bridge. A report earlier this week suggested 30 of the 900 properties there could pose problems and Duncan cites relocation considerations among the concerns.
"There is enormous risk if we release the RFP and can't deliver a site to our contractor that is ready for construction," Duncan continues in his statement. "Managing risk is more responsible than working towards a random completion date."
The bridge is expected to be complete in 2020.
"WDBA [Windsor Detroit Bridge Authority] has one opportunity to get this job done right," continues Duncan. "We are working quickly and prudently and are taking steps now that will allow us to move forward with the construction and completion with the bridge."
