Gordie Howe Bridge reviews emergency plans following Ambassador Bridge blockade - Action News
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Windsor

Gordie Howe Bridge reviews emergency plans following Ambassador Bridge blockade

Senior leadership at the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority say they're reviewing emergency response plans after watching protesters shut down the Ambassador Bridge during the February blockade.

The Gordie Howe Bridge project is expected to be completed in 2024

Image of the Gordie Howe Bridge as envisioned.
An artist's rendering shows what the Gordie Howe Bridge will look like when finished. The bridge, which will provide a Canadian-controlled link between Windsor, Ont., and Detroit, Mich., is currently under construction. (Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority)

Senior leadershipbehind the Gordie Howe International Bridge project saythey're reviewing emergency response plans after watching protesters shut down the Ambassador Bridge during the February blockade.

All traffic was blocked from accessing the bridge for nearly seven days when protesters used vehicles to block municipal roads that provide access to the international crossing.

Heather Grondin, vice president of external affairs the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA), saidthat the new bridge will not require any changes to its design or construction.

This rendering shows what the Canadian Port of Entry will look like once completed. (Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority)

"We already have a number of security measures and features built into both of our ports of entry," said Grondin.

The WDBA is a Crown corporation responsible for overseeing the construction and operationof thebridge, which is being built through a public-private partnership.

The blockade has led to a review of emergency plans with authorities on both sides of the international crossing.

"We'll be able to take that opportunityof that blockade and apply lessons learned for our own operations phase of the project," Grondin said.

Bridge marks milestone moment

The bridge's legs are now a noticeable part of the Windsor and Detroit skylines, hitting their full height of 140 metres. That's a little more than half the size of the Renaissance Centre in Detroit.

The legs are part of the bridge towers whichwill hit their full 220 metre height by the end of the year.

Officials believe that that project is still on paceto be completed by the end of 2024.

You can watch the entire community update below.