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.
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.
Activity over the past year has focused on the tower construction on both sides of the border. At present, the two towers (note that towers are being built on land) have reached approximately 70 metres. Once complete, the towers will reach 220 metres in height. Work continues on the other components of the project, the Canadian and US Ports of Entry and the Michigan Interchange. We have now started construction of some of the various buildings which are needed at the ports of entry, including the Maintenance building and the Main Inspection facility on the Canadian side and the Secondary inspection building on the U.S. side.
