Global supply chain issues and rising construction costs are having an impact on the Gordie Howe International Bridge project timeline and budget.
With only two years left on the $5.7 billion project, there are still a lot of unknowns. Bridging North America CEO Michael Hatchell indicated the full impact of the last two years is not yet known.
"Has it impacted our schedule? Yes, it has. Are we trying to mitigate that as best we can? We are. We're working with [Windsor Detroit Bridge Authority] to see what those impacts of COVID really are to the project. It's not resolved yet, but it's something we've realized, and we're trying to work through," said Hatchell.
Currently, construction is being done on the bridge tower legs on both sides of the river. The two legs have now joined together and sit over 500 feet tall. When complete, the towers will reach 722 feet.
Throughout 2023 more work will be done on the 35 cable stay anchor boxes that will eventually connect and support the bridge deck.
"We're working back on the land side to the first set of anchor piers, you can see the deck going into place. Early next year, we'll start going out into the river, and you'll start seeing the cables come down to try to support that as we go," said Hatchell.
He said work will be done on both sides of the river, but the two sides aren't likely to meet until 2024.
Construction is scheduled to be completed by November 2024.
