The Gordie Howe International Bridge, a prominent landmark visible during the day from miles away on both sides of the border, is now illuminating the night sky with the activation of 164 streetlights for testing after sunset. The Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority, overseeing the massive project, initiated testing in late August and plans to conduct additional tests over the next couple of weeks. Eventually, the bridge will feature an extra 5,000 decorative lights, with renowned Canadian artist Douglas Coupland tasked with designing the lighting scheme.
The bridge’s progress toward opening to traffic is evident through the recent painting of new traffic markings, defining lanes and shoulders. The bridge will accommodate three lanes of traffic in each direction and include a multi-use path for cyclists and pedestrians. Construction on the cable-stayed crossing commenced in the summer of 2018, originally aiming for completion by the end of 2024. However, the projected opening was rescheduled to fall 2025, though the exact timeline remains uncertain.
A recent report suggested a potential delay in the bridge’s opening until 2026, but the bridge authority refrains from specifying a definite date for the commencement of vehicle and pedestrian crossings. Heather Grondin, Chief Relations Officer for the WDBA, emphasized the commitment to keeping the public informed as progress continues toward the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge.
