Gordie Howe International Bridge nears opening with sculptural design by Erik Behrens
The Gordie Howe International Bridge, connecting Detroit, Michigan and Windsor, Ontario, is nearing its official opening. Designed by architect Erik Behrens with engineering by AECOM for Bridging North America (BNA), the bridge features a slender, sculptural form with twin 220m towers and fan-shaped cables. Its 853m main span is the longest in North America. The design incorporates a moiré effect from white stay cables and references hockey legend Gordie Howe, with tower legs resembling a hockey stick. Canadian artist Douglas Coupland created a lighting installation using nearly 5,000 lights. The bridge includes hidden border facilities and is projected to last 125 years. Paid for upfront by Canada and co-owned with Michigan, it aims to enhance trade and civic pride. No official opening date has been set.
Key facts
- Gordie Howe International Bridge connects Detroit, Michigan and Windsor, Ontario.
- Designed by architect Erik Behrens.
- Engineering by AECOM for Bridging North America (BNA).
- Main span of 853m, longest in North America.
- Twin 220m towers with fan-shaped cables.
- Lighting installation by Douglas Coupland with nearly 5,000 lights.
- Projected 125-year lifespan.
- Paid for upfront by Canada, co-owned with Michigan.
Entities
Artists
- Erik Behrens
- Douglas Coupland
- Gordie Howe
Institutions
- Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority
- Bridging North America
- AECOM
- RBLD
- Wallpaper*
- Canada Border Services Agency
- Canadian Food Inspection Agency
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection
- U.S. Department of Agriculture
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration
- U.S. Department of Transportation
- Windsor–Detroit Bridge Authority
- Detroit Red Wings
- Truth Social
Locations
- Detroit
- Michigan
- Windsor
- Ontario
- Canada
- United States
- Detroit River