Ontario Construction News staff writer
The tower on the Canadian side of the Gordie Howe International Bridge has now reached full height, months behind the American tower which reached topped off at the end of August.
To celebrate the achievement, WDBA produced a video showcasing work on the Canadian tower.
The two towers have been under construction since 2019 and each one is 722 feet tall and will support the weight of the bridge and they hold the cables that attach to the road deck. Completing this phase of the project is a significant milestone for the entire community.
The Malden Park Observation Area is now open, providing a safe space for the community and tourists to watch construction of the bridge– the largest bi-national infrastructure project currently taking place along the Canada-US border.
“The Malden Park Observation Area is the most recent community-centered investment we are pleased to deliver to Windsor residents,” said Charl van Niekerk, CEO, Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority. “The Community Benefits Plan guarantees that the people located adjacent to the project are among its truest beneficiaries and we take immense pride in turning the ideas that we heard from residents into reality.”
Located at the highest elevation point in Malden Park, the observation area includes railings, benches, binoculars, landscaping and wayfinding signage. The area provides a clear vantage of the project as the bridge deck construction moves across the Detroit River.
Construction of the observation area was managed by Bridging North America and their subcontractor, Landscape Effects, in co-ordination with the City of Windsor. Work began on September 5, 2023, and took approximately seven weeks to complete.
The observation area will remain a permanent amenity at Malden Park and will be maintained by the City of Windsor.
“The Malden Park Observation Area gives the public a unique vantage point to view the exciting progress BNA is making as we build the Gordie Howe International Bridge out over the Detroit River,” said Michael Hatchell, CEO, Bridging North America. “It is something that the community will be able to enjoy well after the bridge opens.”
The observation area is part of the Community Benefits Plan which includes the $20 million (CDN) Neighbourhood Infrastructure Strategy. The initiatives in the strategy reflect key regional priorities identified through stakeholder and community consultation. These include community partnerships, community safety and connections, economic benefits, and aesthetics and landscaping.