Construction of the Gordie Howe International Bridge (GHIB) will move to a new phase over the next few weeks.
The Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA) reported Wednesday that the final concrete pour of the U.S. tower has been completed, topping it out at 220 metres (722 feet) above the Detroit River. With the tower finished, work will soon begin to dismantle the cranes and scaffolding surrounding it.
"We are excited to share that the U.S. tower has reached its final height, and the Canadian tower is nearing completion," said WDBA CEO Charl van Niekirk. "These majestic towers have been the most visible and inspiring signs of progress, representing a major step forward in construction of the Gordie Howe International Bridge."
The tower on the Windsor side of the river will be finished in a similar matter by mid-September. The jump form system encasing the tower will also be dismantled.
The towers will be the backbone of the bridge's cable-stayed span. They contain the anchor boxes that connect the stay cables to the bridge and road decks. The towers also provide the support system for the entire weight of the bridge and the load it will carry once it is open to traffic.
Work on the towers began four years ago when the critical foundation and footings were laid down. Six shafts were drilled per tower into the bedrock under the river to a depth of 28 metres, or 116 feet.
The jump form system on the U.S. tower includes murals by Detroit-based artist Roberto Villalobos, which depict the Detroit skyline, an American flag, the Spirit of Detroit statue, and other landmarks.
The bridge is set to open to traffic in the fall of 2024.