The construction of the Gordie Howe International Bridge towers is entering its final stages as the new international crossing starts to take shape.
Officials have announced that the last concrete pour for the sloped architectural heads at the top of the pylon head has been completed, and the U.S. tower has reached its full height of 722 feet.
Next, the crews will remove the jump form system, which is the blue square around the tower that features artwork from a Detroit artist. The final steps for the Canadian bridge tower will begin in September.
The tower construction began in 2019, and the significant milestones achieved in 2023 include the completion of underground foundational work, the finishing of tower footings, and the completion of lower pylon construction. The jump forms encased the towers, providing workers with an enclosed environment to work in while each tower rose. Removing the jump form system will take approximately four weeks.
Progress is also being made on the rest of the bridge. In 2023, the first bridge deck segments were placed over the Detroit River, the first stay cables were installed, and the final road bridge on the Michigan interchange was reconstructed.
Importance of Gordie Howe Bridge Towers
The towers play a crucial role as they house the anchor boxes that attach stay cables from the towers to the bridge and road decks. They provide the necessary support for the entire weight of the bridge.
“We are excited to announce that the U.S. tower has reached its final height and the Canadian tower is nearing completion. These majestic towers represent a significant milestone in the construction of the Gordie Howe International Bridge,” said Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority CEO Charl van Niekerk.
FAQ
1. What is the current status of the Gordie Howe International Bridge towers?
The construction of the Gordie Howe International Bridge towers is almost complete. The U.S. tower has reached its full height, and the Canadian tower is nearing completion.
2. What are the Gordie Howe Bridge towers used for?
The Gordie Howe Bridge towers house the anchor boxes that connect the stay cables from the towers to the bridge and road decks. They provide essential support for the entire weight of the bridge.
3. What progress has been made on the rest of the bridge?
In 2023, significant achievements have been made on the Gordie Howe International Bridge. The first bridge deck segments have been placed over the Detroit River, the first stay cables have been installed, and the final road bridge on the Michigan interchange has been reconstructed.
4. When will the jump form system be removed?
It is expected to take about four weeks to remove the jump form system from the Gordie Howe Bridge towers.
Closing Statements
The construction of the Gordie Howe International Bridge towers is nearing completion, with the U.S. tower already reaching its full height and the Canadian tower getting closer to its final stages. These towers are essential for providing the necessary support for the bridge’s weight. In addition, significant progress has been made on other aspects of the bridge construction, including the installation of bridge deck segments, stay cables, and the reconstruction of road bridges. The completion of these milestones represents a major step forward in the construction of the Gordie Howe International Bridge.
