Exciting Gordie Howe Bridge Mid-Span Installation

[@marcberanger]

Thanks!

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Hi Marc. Thank you so much for the SuperThanks! I appreciate the support. If there is anything you might want me to make the focus of a video let me know! I'll do my best to accommadate. :)

[@marcberanger]

@@bobjonesrealtor7756 No Problem...Can't think of anything right now. You seem to cover everything I would like to know. I am looking forward to walking across the bridge when it is open!

[@atsuniverse3149]

Thank you to our Canadian friends for working with us on this connection! This has been a long time coming and it’s nice to be reminded how closely our countries work together on a regular basis. Excellent video

[@marshallbowen8693]

Since the bridge was paid for and is owned by the Canadian government including some parts of the Michigan infrastructure, I wonder if it is MAGA approved?

[@powershop1903]

All paid for by the Canadian government.

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Hi atsuniverse3149. We speak the same language, eh?:)

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Lol. Good question.

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Hi Powershop! Canada payed for it, but governments don't have any money, they spend what they take from our labour. Not trying to be smart, just not a fan of our governments spending habits. Thanks for the post!

[@JB-bs1se]

It’s so awesome to see 2 countries working toward a common goal.

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Like good family.

[@thomshin2460]

Just an awesome sight to behold, good union workers shinning on both sides.

[@WesB1972]

Iron workers , A whole different level. BRAVO to both sides of the border.

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Hi Wes. You have that right!

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Couldn't agree more!

[@WesB1972]

@@bobjonesrealtor7756 As a citizen of the USA we couldn't have better neighbors on the northern border than the Canadians.

[@a7xcss]

♥... SO MUCH RESPECT ADMIRATION AND GRATITUDE TO ALL CONSTRUCTIONS WORKERS ...❤

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

🌉😎👍

[@Go_for_it652]

The work ethic is following instructions, working with others , completing the assignment. Congratulations to the builders .

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Hi Malcome. I agree 100%.

[@timothystevenhoward]

What an absolutely beautiful structure. A monster, but in a good way. congrats to both crews!

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Hi Timothy. Yes indeed!

[@johnjones1645]

Wow!!!! . . . the last cross member in the entire structure . . . talk about an amazing piece of history, and you've 'personally' recorded it, both up close and personal. Congratulations, bro, and thanks for sharing this incredible adventure with all us landlubbers!!

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Hi Johnny! It is very cool to watch and record. I apreciate your wonderful comment!:)

[@robertmiller8336]

While my brother lives in Birmingham MI, I have not been out there for a long time. I got a KZbin suggestion to one of your videos and have not missed one since. Yours are the best!

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Hi Robert. Thank you so much!

[@notvaporlocked5479]

I am a retired crane operator and loved working with iron workers. Cool guys.

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

I am totally impressed the control the crane operators (you included I'm sure) have over tons of steel floating through the air. Incredible work.

[@AlleyKatt]

The Detroit television news, usually during their weather reports, often show a camera shot looking down the river. Sometimes it's from the Windsor side but usually from atop the RenCen, the Ambassador Bridge looks really dinky with the Gordie Howe Bridge in the background. Very cool. I have family on both sides of the Detroit River, and I'm loving this.

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Hi AlleyKatt. Thanks for the comment!

[@dongreer9082]

Totally amazing!!! Ai won’t be replacing workers like that ever!!!! I was going to say anytime soon. But I’m pretty positive skilled labor has a long healthy future.

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Hi Don. I think your right about that. Maybe new gear from AI to make their life easier in the future, but skiled labour like this will be hard to replace.

[@robertqman5751]

“Spectacular” is the word that pops into my head when I see this build. Good video Bob .. :)

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Hi Robert. You and me both! :) Thanks!

[@skywatcherca]

Beautiful: NO ACCIDENTS - these steelworkers are excellent... great work

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

They have been very careful on this project. They deserve a thumbs up for sure.🌉😎👍

[@mattharper588]

They are Union Ironworkers,Steel Workers work in foundries and steel plants making steel

[@retireearly7223]

Great accomplishment!

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Hi retireearly7223. I think so, too. Glad to have you watching!

[@stevewoodard527]

I saw a few snippets yesterday from other sources but, as usual, you came with the goods today. It's an amazing world in which I can actually watch the connection of something this grand within a day of its happening. Thank you.

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Hi Steve. Thank you very much. It keeps me moving.:)

[@Glattbrugg1]

Thanks for the update! I have been watching this build closely and really enjoy your videos! It's almost like being there!

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Hi Glattbrugg1. Glad you enjoy them!

[@martindahl3228]

Bob, Greatly appreciate all of your efforts to make these video updates, they are really interesting to watch and see the progress of the Bridge! Thanks and keep up the great work!

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Thanks Martin. I appreciate your kind words.

[@coldlakealta4043]

it's amazing that structural pieces of this size, pre-made off site, can fit to such incredible tolerances at the actual building site

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Hi colddlakealta. They have the technology, laser accurate. Very cool.

[@MrJgapa]

Poetry in motion... some kinda crane work, some kinda iron workers just killing it..plenty of communication... topping off party these guys will have for themselves should be epic.. lol.. work jobs..nothing this massive..lot of trust in the brother next to you going on... love this video..thanks..

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Hi MrJgapa. The crane operators are awesome. Differances go out the window when working for a common goal.

[@rollinwithunclepete824]

Thank you, Bob! Super video. I enjoyed it immensely - US & Canada doing it together!

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Hi Uncle Pete. Glad you liked it, buddy.

[@happycamper6718]

Bob: Let me be the first to congratulate you on these videos. In my opinion you are producing significant historical documents. This is almost like watching da Vinci painting the Mona Lisa, only way more exciting and interesting. Bravo 👏

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Hi Happycamper. Wow, thank you!

[@carlfalt174]

Simply outstanding!!!

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Hi Carl. Many thanks!

[@user-ge6hf2xs4r]

Great job!!

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it.🌉👍

[@MrUtubeobia]

The steel workers get all the credit. Let’s see some video of the scaffold builders putting up the platforms beneath them.

[@stevewoodard527]

Those guys are steel workers too, I'd bet.

[@mattharper588]

Those are Union Ironworkers connecting the iron and Union Carpenters building the scaffolding edit give a shout out to all of the Union workers on this project.Union Operating Engineers,Cement Workers and Masons,Millwrights,Laborers,Electricians,painters and any other support personnel I haven’t mentioned like the guy that drives the honey wagon truck that pumps out the port a potties

[@Nocturnal2010]

All these different trades working in unison like ants assembling legos. The best of the best 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Well said. 🌉😎👍

[@antonioguglielmetti2661]

Yesss it's finally finishing

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Hi Antonio. The bridge is connected! A big milestone in the construction. Another fifteen months before the first car or truck crosses, however it's coming fast and maybe they will finish early.

[@nedkent5239]

Great video and beautiful bridge!

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Hi Ned. Many thanks! It is beautiful. :)

[@louoldschool7047]

great job as always

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Thanks, Lou.

[@larryburkett9628]

All I can say is AMAZING.

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Thanks, Larry.

[@thomasrobinson8336]

Kinda brings a bit of mist here. Congrats to the Boys on both sides. Now the scaffold underneath that will be fun to dismantle. Great Vid Bob. History A La Prochaine my Friend

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Thanks, Thomas!

[@45KevinR]

Thanks to the other posters that explained the tree. Interesting tradition. Seems a bit small compared to the beams and bridge. I was pleased to see good use of their safety lines. I thought that was only a European thing! Also thought how precise the positioning and bolting was, then I noticed the guy on the far right, low down, going absolutely mental with a hammer. Like we jumped from "space age, laser cut" to "make it fit". Hmm.

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Hi 45KevinR. Yeah good thread on the tree.:) They have been very strick on saftey, and rightfully so. Good comment.

[@RobertBOUSKILL]

A beautiful job !!!

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Thank you so much, Robert. 😀

[@louisglen1653]

Another excellent video!

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Thank you Louis. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@robertstanlake3382]

Well done video !

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Hi Robert. 🌉😎👍Thank you!

[@johnboy8211]

And there children is why you need math at school !!! LOL The best bridge video on KZbin !!

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Hey Johnboy. Thamk you for the great compliment.

[@fintan3563]

I guess I am pretty surprised how blue the Detroit river is. I expected it to be really polluted. It looks beautiful!

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Hi fintan3563. The Detroit River has cleaned up a lot over the years. Still needs work. 👀

[@JoeSmith-ey2xp]

Awe inspiring.

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Hey Joe. Couldn't have said ti better.

[@clarenceburton9654]

Awesome thanks for sharing this !!!! 👍😎🚧🪝

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Hi Clarence. Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching.

[@roberthartley8105]

"Congrats" To You for Making This Possible, Angel Blessings To All..........

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Thank you, Robert.

[@charlesbaran1106]

Did anyone else notice the crossed wrenches atop the American flagpole? It's good to see that the workers are tethered, but a fall would still be painful. Hope everyone up there stays safe.

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Hi Charles. No I didn't see that. Yup the fall would be painful but a lifesaver. I'm with you everybody stays safe. Thanks for the post.

[@albertmyers7176]

Fantastic vid. thank you

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Thank you, Albert.

[@Go_for_it652]

Keep going !

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Hi Malcolm. That's the plan! Thanks.

[@geomodelrailroader]

all the beams are in now to install the final 14 slabs, grout the deck, send out the surveyor, remove the strand jacks, and disassemble the cranes but other then that we are done the Gordie Howe Bridge is complete.

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Quite a milestone, Geomodelrailroader, but they have a ton of work to be done on both sides of the border before the bridge opens.

[@bigbuck2720]

Congratulations to all involved, amazing task

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Hi Bigbuck. Ditto!

[@stoveguy2133]

22:04. Where are the short steel beams to hold up concrete panels? On can side. Are 2-3 stubby beams missing?

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Hi stoveguy2133. There were two short beams, one on the Canadian bridge deck and another on the US bridge deck when I took the video. I wasn't there to see the two girders put in place, but I suspect they were installed prior to the concrete slabs being put in place.

[@QuarioQuario54321]

Still have to build the panels

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Very true!

[@joekielbowich2660]

another great job Bob and Bea , I said earlier that the second week they would connect together I was close to being right have a awesome day

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Hi Joe. Hope you don't mind me calling you Joe? Yeah, you pretty much nailed it. Thanks for sharing. :)

[@stoveguy2133]

I see the smugglers hatch in the main cross beams.

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Hi stoveguy. Sneaky little smugglers!

[@jaredhuber418]

I’m certain this has been asked and answered but humor me. At what point of construction did you start to do the videos and are they accessible and will you edit them into longer segments??

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Hi Jared. A little over a year ago. Towers were under construction had started the decking. Yes they are all posted in the Playlist; Gordie Howe Bridge Project

[@jwaustinmunguy]

Around 3 minutes the yellow bell is labeled "Subscibe". Around 12 minutes the near worker in blue helmet is "NOT TIED OFF". How many safety violations can we spor?

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Hi. jwaustinmunguy. Not really. Not my business to judge the workers. They have an excellent saftey record. As for the yellow bell, did you?:)👍

[@42base13]

This is great footage, how do you get it? Are you allowed to fly a drone that close to the project?

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Yes I have approval to fly in that airspace. I'm actually a good distance from the bridge most of the time. The workers don't even know I'm there. My drone has an awesome zoom camera (28x). I don't want to disturb their work.

[@42base13]

@@bobjonesrealtor7756 Wow. I knew you were zoomed in some, but I didn't realize how much. I have an Air 3, and I'd have to be a lot closer to get that kind of footage.

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

The Air 3 is a great drone from the reviews I've watched.

[@budcanter9747]

Very interesting, what is in all those white buckets? 👍👍🇺🇸

[@SteveR59]

The white buckets have been used to hold the large bolts and nuts that they us to connect the beams and edge girders.

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Hi Steve. Thanks for answering that question. I would have had to search for the answer. You're the best. :)

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Hi Bud. Looks like SteveR59 has the question covered. Good question.

[@budcanter9747]

@@SteveR59 thank you!🇺🇸

[@Peace2U-ec6es]

The bridge isn't the only structure made of steel - those workers have North American balls of steel!

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

And I thought it was beams clanging around up there. :)

[@GrowFoodSustainably]

I did not see diagonal braces traditionally applied to guard against bridge swaying from side to side in extreme weather.

[@dwayneandersoncoach9304]

I believe the cable stay arrangement take into account swaying and expansion from what I read on another site. It doesnt have to be rigid like other structures because of wind movement and lateral contractions.

[@GrowFoodSustainably]

@@dwayneandersoncoach9304 Thank you .

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

The bridge will always have a calculated sway. It is biult that way I think.

[@GrowFoodSustainably]

@@bobjonesrealtor7756 Thank you.

[@guilfordterminal]

As a fellow drone pilot, I was wondering about the hoops you had to go through to fly here. Did you have to coordinate with the bridge company, Navdrone, Transport Canada? Or did you just fly out for the fantastic video? Are you flying a Mavic 3?

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Hi guilfordterminal. Always nice to meet another drone pilot. I have my advanced certificate from Transport Canada. I register and get approval for all my flights through Navdrone Canada. The bridge is in restricted airspace, so controlled by the Windsor Tower. I've been approached by the bridges security a number of times. I folow the rules, as a responsible drone pilot should. They see that and I've had no issues. Yup, a Mavic 3. Are you in the Essex County area?

[@guilfordterminal]

@@bobjonesrealtor7756 Yes. I also have an Advanced Cert and would be using Navdrone to fly there. I was hoping other flyers would also since I wouldn't want to run into anyone LOL. I would be flying my Matrice M30 so I can stay further away.

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Hi gilfordterminal. Were you out flying the bridge on the 18th?

[@guilfordterminal]

@@bobjonesrealtor7756 No - I'm still working up the nerve LOL.

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Hi Guilfordterminal. If you like, we could walk through it together. I'd love to see the M30 in action :)

[@carlsmall795]

Does anybody know what the 5 pipes are for and function that are on the bottom half of each of the side girders?😊

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Hi Carl. Thanks for the question. I found this - The five pipes on the bottom half of each of the side girders of the Gordie Howe International Bridge serve specific functions related to the structural integrity and durability of the bridge. These pipes are high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic pipes, and they are designed with ribs along the pipe to prevent ice formation. This feature is crucial for maintaining the bridge's functionality and safety in cold weather conditions, as it helps to mitigate the risk of ice accumulation that could otherwise affect the bridge's stability and the safety of its users. Never would have known that without your post. Thanks!

[@carlsmall795]

@@bobjonesrealtor7756 Thanks Bob for the answer on the side pipes, I've been scratching my head thinking about those pipes functionality?

[@tommoffatt560]

So are these bolts metric or SAE?

[@SteveR59]

The bridge drawings, including holes, are in metric. Would they use non-metric bolts in metric holes?

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Hi Steve. You got me thinking although I know metric and imperial are not compatable. Anyway I found this explaination; Metric and imperial bolt threads are fundamentally incompatible systems. Even if the major diameters are close, the thread pitches will not match.13 For example, an M10x1.5 metric thread cannot be properly assembled into a tapped hole made for a 3/8-16 UNC imperial thread, despite the similar major diameters. When working with metric drawings that specify metric hole sizes, the corresponding metric bolts must be used. Attempting to use imperial bolts in metric tapped holes risks damaging the threads and compromising the joint integrity.4 The only way to use imperial bolts would be if the components were redesigned with imperial tapped holes that match the imperial bolt thread.3 So in summary, for a bridge project with metric hole callouts on the drawings, metric bolts are required. Using non-metric imperial bolts in those metric tapped holes would be an improper and incompatible combination that should be avoided.

[@MadawaskaObservatory]

have you ever thought of visiting the plant were all that steel is made?

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Hi MadawaskaObservatory. Not really. I have been in Stelco to see the process years, no decades ago, and it was impressive then. I can only imagine it now. Are you working in the steel industry?

[@AWSVids]

I'm trying to imagine what the conversation was like that led to the idea of putting a tree there. Foreman: "So I'm thinking we should do something to mark the meeting of two countries at the middle of the bridge." Worker: "Uh... we could put some flags up." Foreman: "Yeah, but... we should do more. Something special." Worker: "Hmmm... potted tree?" Foreman: "... ... ... okay, good enough for me." Worker: "Two of them, one for each side/country?" Foreman: "No need to go crazy. We're trying to keep costs down here."

[@mdhofstee]

The tree is a standard tradition for iron workers to place a tree on the last steel girder for a completion of a project. hence my confusion as they had 8 more pieces to go.

[@rwdavidoff]

@@mdhofstee According to wikipedia, the "topping out" tree is sometimes placed with a significant beam rather than the "final" beam. It gives the example of the last beam that allows a roof to be closed in. I guess here they decided to make the show out of the first two permanent beams spanning the entire crossing, and hence the tree on this beam.

[@mdhofstee]

@@rwdavidoff Yeah I would have waited until the last cross member myself given how big that it is.

[@rwdavidoff]

@@mdhofstee I dunno, it's their party and they'll tree when they want to. (Tree when they want to) (tree when they want to). You might tree too if it happened to you.

[@mdhofstee]

@@rwdavidoff 🤣🤣

[@jefferykeeper9034]

I'm amazed that they don't have a net, Because those guys are working without fall Protection.

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Hi Jeffery. They are out over the water, but they are harnessed to the bridge with a catwalk I understand. You will ess the wire installed above them they hook onto so they are never in risk of falling far. Still not an experience I want to experience. :)

[@williamjones7163]

Remember the Rule of thumb on the making of the Gordie Howe Bridge: Leftie Loosey, Righty Tighty!

[@xdanbo1859]

It is backward on the Canadian side. 😛😛

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Hi xdanbo1859. That's funny we think the opposite.:)

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Lol. After tighting a few thousand bolts, I bet they get it. :)

[@jeffreyhansen4446]

I work construction but these iron workers are crazy i dont even like working on a ten foot ladder

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Lol. You and me both, Jeffrey!

[@pladam7198]

Does anyone else notice a iron worker not tied off when they should be?

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Hi pladam7198. Nope. Not looking to bring attention to those types of things, just watching the construction. That said, the project has won awards for saftey through this build. With so many involved there is sure to be someone making unintentional mistakes.

[@toyguy1956]

Why is there a tree did I miss something

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

There is a thread that explains the tree in the earlier comments. Something Iron Workers do once the last major peice of a structure is installed.

[@mdhofstee]

I did not take into account that they had to finish the US side but I was going with the little information the videos provided me. Nobody had done a tower view so I did not see that the Canadian side was done and the US needed to do another section before the closure. Still I did not know they would need to use temporary beams to get the bridge into alignment either.

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Hi mdhofstee. I believe I was mistaken with the alingment and the steel beams, They are there to hold both sides from moving while the mid span closure was installed. Both Canada and the USA have a lot of work to do before the bridge is ready to open. It's hard to judge what or where either side really is with the little knowledge we glean from the flyovers and feedback. Good post, glad to have you sharing!

[@bridgetstoli2347]

Bridge on one border, wall on the other. Skin color.

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

I don't see that.

[@ATF1985]

Crazy to think bridge won’t open up to sept 2025 😡

[@SteveR59]

The bridge cannot open until the point of entries on both sides of the bridge are complete. This includes buildings, roads, and landscaping. The bridge still needs a lot of work to be finished. The following is from the GHIB website: "A substantial amount of work is still needed, including the re-stressing of stay cables, post-tensioning of the deck and the installation of electrical, fire suppression, drainage systems, barriers, signage, lighting, deck paving and pavement markings and complete the multi-use path." Both giant cranes need to be disassembled too.

[@ATF1985]

@@SteveR59 thanks I live here and use to cross at the foot of the bridge on a barge with hazmat semi truck . This project was started in 2018 and is horribly behind. Bridge can’t be finished soon enough . We need a 3rd crossing in the Michigan / Canada asap with so much truck traffic

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Maybe they will get done early with the great waether. Can only hope at this poiit.

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Excellent reply, Steve!

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Hi AFT1985. Did you work on the truck ferry? That would be cool. It's too bad they closed it down, but that is only my uneducated opinion on the business. Thanks for the great comment.

[@sneakysgladesaspensnowmass9664]

They should never/ever include pictures of the office workers ever in a picture of this magnitude. It should only ever be of the people that performed the physical work in accomplishing this project!!!!!

[@59jm24]

It took a cross boarder cooperation needing every worker regardless of their poisson, from the bottom to the top, everyone involved should be proud for their contribution.

[@jamesbelisle9704]

You don’t see those iron workers drilling holes in every piece. That took some pretty amazing engineering in an office to accomplish that precision to where they can just drop each piece in place and put the bolts in.

[@johnbrossack3791]

@@jamesbelisle9704 It took some pretty amazing work in the fabrication shops to make sure that the pieces fit together properly. Design, engineering, fabrication and QA/QC in the fabrication shops all had to be on the same page EVERY time, or the Ironworker would have had a much more difficult time fitting all of the pieces together. It's not fun when you're dealing with poor fabrication in the field, been there, done that.

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Amazing logisticts to build this bridge from everone involved.

[@johnbrossack3791]

@@bobjonesrealtor7756 Spot on.

[@NoChat66a]

@Bob Jones REALTOR ... Don't speed up the video. It looks comical the way the guys are sprinting around like ants. Just play it normal speed!

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Hi NoChat66a. It does look a little comical, I agree. I do speed up the video in spots for a couple of reasons. First to drift through the less interesting things like flying a distance that may prove boring, and also to get more content into the video without making it too long to keep interest. I will keep you request in mind when editing however. Thanks for the helpful comment. Glad to have you here. :)

[@markblain8438]

How many fingers and toes were lost on this project because I’m seeing a lot of safety violations

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Hi Mark. Not sure they have enough fingers to do the count!