This crossing is the largest and most ambitious binational border infrastructure project along the Canada–United States border. It includes a new six-lane bridge across the Detroit River, associated border inspection plazas, and connections to the freeway systems in Ontario and Michigan. This project will provide a new alternative crossing for this trade corridor.
The Canada-Michigan Crossing Agreement, signed in June 2012 by Canada and Michigan, provided a framework for the construction, financing, operation, and maintenance of the new publicly owned bridge. The agreement called for the establishment of both a crossing authority, known as the WDBA, to deliver, procure, and fund the project through a P3 and an international authority to oversee the project procurement and the compliance with the agreement.
Both the formation of the WDBA (a Canadian Crown corporation) and the international authority were announced in July 2014.
Work on all four components of the project is being conducted simultaneously: Canada and U.S. Points of Entry, the Michigan I-75 Interchange, and the bridge itself. Current work including earthworks and utility locations at the Points of Entry and the start of construction on the tower footings.
