The Detroit International Bridge Company has obtained a permit to build what will be North America’s longest cable-stayed bridge.
The permit allows the company to build a second span for the Ambassador Bridge, which stretches across the Detroit River and links Detroit to Windsor, Ontario. According to a press release issued by the company Sept. 6, the permit was granted through Canada’s International Bridges and Tunnels Act.
“We especially thank Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Canada for issuance of the final permit supporting our company to make this major investment in international infrastructure. There have been many challenges our company has faced over the years in pursuit of this moment,” said Matthew Moroun, owner of the Ambassador Bridge. “We are now tasked with the duty to construct a privately funded bridge with the hard work of thousands of engineers, steelworkers [and] construction experts that will be employed to deliver this once-in-a-lifetime project.”
But Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder released a statement expressing both optimism and caution: “Construction on a replacement span would not begin unless and until further governmental approvals in the U.S. are obtained and several conditions established by Canada are met,” he said.
Artistic rendering with new span in foreground via ambassadorbridge.com
Canada said those conditions include “the dismantling of the existing bridge when the replacement bridge is open, improving local infrastructure, creating new public green spaces, and protecting the environment and considering Indigenous interests.”
Canadian Minister of Transport Marc Garneau and Snyder also reiterated their support for the construction of the publicly owned Gordie Howe International Bridge about two miles downstream from the Ambassador Bridge, which Snyder said is scheduled to begin “significant construction” in 2018.
The Detroit Free Press said both bridges are not likely to be completed until after 2023.
Detroit International Bridge Company says the Ambassador Bridge was the longest suspension bridge in North America when it was first opened in 1929.
The new addition will include six lanes, some of which will be equipped with NEXUS systems. NEXUS lanes offer passage for pre-approved travelers moving between the U.S. and Canada. The bridge will also include bus lanes and will feature a 2,190-foot cable-stayed main span.
The $1 billion project will create thousands of jobs in both countries, according to the release. The Detroit-Windsor corridor is an important one; the company stated that 25% of all trade between the U.S. and Canada crosses at this point.
“We know there are those who never thought our permit would be approved. Hopefully, now we can all come together and take pride in watching a new bridge rise across the shared border between our great nations,” Moroun said.