Gordie Howe Bridge construction: April update revealed

Welcome to this Gordie Howe Bridge Construction Update.
It’s April of 2024 and the bridge deck is nearing completion, with the two sides set to meet in the middle over the Detroit River this summer. This critical milestone will mark a major step towards the overall completion of the bridge.
Like and subscribe to stay up to date on the progress of this project. It’s free and extends the word about this channel. I appreciate it and thank you in advance for the help.
In this flyover we’re lucky to see the process for adding a section to the Canadian Bridge Deck and stay cables being hung on the Michigan Tower! One section is estimated to take up to 12 days.
The entrance and connection of the project to the eastern termination of the Highway 401 is quickly coming together as well. From one end of the project to the other work is being completed in a safe and organized manner, as it should. Kudos to the whole team!
The Gordie Howe Bridge Project suffered expenses and unforeseeable delays causing the completion and opening to be extended ten months until November of 2025. Nobody was happy about that news, however, considering the scope of this project, I personally believe they are doing a fantastic job of staying on track to meet the new opening deadline in 2025.
Let me know what you think in the comments. Like and subscribe. :)
This is Bob Jones, and I will see you in the next video.
#GordieHoweBridge#InternationalBridge#bobjonesrealtor#detroitriver#constructionupdate#windsorontario#detroitmichigan#ambassadorbridge

[@northeastoutrider2124]

Using some very basic quick math, the bridges weight capacity could take fully loaded 80K Lbs. tractor trailers parked front to back cross all six lanes stacked four high. That bridge isn't going anywhere.

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Hi northeastoutrider2124. That's reassuring. Thanks for sharing that interesting information. Glad to have you here.

[@utuberdave]

And the titanic was unsinkable!

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

@@utuberdave They were wrong there, eh? There are a lot of cable stayed briges out there now. I don't know about any that have collapsed. Why do you think this one will? Just curious.

[@utuberdave]

@@bobjonesrealtor7756 I’m not saying it’ll collapse, but nature ALWAYS wins in the end. The moment it’s erected it starts to deteriorate because of nature. Eventually torn down.

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

You are right on the target with that statement. Nature is awesome, and more powerful than can be imagined. I did a few years of blue water sailing. There were times of pure beauty and a few of shear terror.

[@Tom-dt4ic]

Thank you! As a former Detroiter, I feast on these videos every month.

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Hi Tom. I'm glad you like them. Keep your eyes open there is more coming! :)

[@salemdesigns65]

Wow. It's cool to see whats going on at the Canadian side. I can't wait to see it all finished!! 😊

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Hi salemdesigns65. I'm glad you liked it. We'll have to watch for another 18 months before they open for business. Thanks for the nice compliment.

[@philbarre]

Excellent coverage of this very impressive project Bob. Can't wait to see that final connection!

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Hi Phil. Thank you for the compliment. This is all a learning experience for me, so your words mean a lot. I'm hoping I can catch the moment it happens. Thanks for the comment.

[@user-vu5dt9lb4d]

Great video and explanation of the process. It is going to light up the downtown area even more. It will bring in more investers.

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Hi. I agree. It has already changed the skyline in a dramatic way. When it's all lit up will be cool. I think they will be able to do light shows.

[@rporobotjack3683]

Your best coverage yet. Thank you for coverage Mr. Jones .

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Hi. Thank you so much! You are more than welcome. :)

[@bobpiec]

Wonderful work Mr. Jones! You do have the best coverage of this wonderful project. I would only add the distance to connect the two sides be added to your already Great coverage. I am a former resident of Essex County now living in Kentucky. I have told quite a few folks down here about the bridge and your videos.

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Hi Bob. Very kind words, thank you so much. Kentucky is beautiful country. I'll see what I can do for the next update. And thank you for spreading the word about the channel. I can use all the help I can get!:)

[@lisarandolph9261]

My husband & the Buffalo NY company that he works for built the expansion joints for this bridge. Quite impressive! Go Buffalo Bills!

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Hi Lisa. That's interesting. There was a question about the expansion joints just a few days ago. I couldn't find anything substantial about them. If I get another, I'll know who to call! Lol. :) Thanks for sharing.

[@toddgalagan3376]

I love the up to date aerial photos.Thanks for sharing!

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Hi Todd. Thank you for the compliment. I'm glad you appreciate the work. :)

[@gobbletegook]

It looks marvelous! Thanx for the view (can't wait to see it lit up with all those LED's at night)

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Hi @gobbletegook. You and me both!

[@doogie812]

Way cool! Well Done. It seems to be well designed and executed. It is sure to be a jewel to the aria.

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Hi Doogie812. Thank you. Yes it is quite the site in the area. Our land is so flat it can be seen from quite a distance as well. Like the Detroit Renaissance Tower. They are approx the same height. Thanks for the comment.

[@louoldschool7047]

she's a beaut, can't wait to see it in person

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Hi. The videos are tewlling of what is going on throughout the project, but being there gives you a new appreciation to the scope of the work being done. It won't be a wasted trip. Thanks for being here.

[@IlluminovaNibiru]

Could Not pick a better name to represent Canada and the USA especially Detroit.

[@IlluminovaNibiru]

Way better than the Ambassador

[@IlluminovaNibiru]

What Carnadian city will this give greater access to Americans?

[@IlluminovaNibiru]

Big city

[@victorwatkins9573]

Thanks for sharing

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Hi Victor. Thanks for watching! I appreciate you being here.

[@ChrisSeliga]

They won't be able to install that last cable stay on the "land side" until all of the girders are in place over the river. Not having that last cable stay installed makes it easier for the cranes to bring the girder sections and everything else needed onto the bridge to be trucked out to the center.

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Hi Chris. It'll be interesting to see how they join the two sides. I can see how not having the cable there can help with accessing the bridge deck. Thanks for the comment.

[@ChrisSeliga]

@@bobjonesrealtor7756 From what I read, they are making custom girders to connect the two sides with a tolerance of just a few millimeters. The big question is, are they already made, are they currently being made, or are they going to wait until the final gap, then measure with lasers, and then start constructing those custom girders? If they are already made, then a June connection is no problem, if they need to be made after measuring the final gap first, then it might be late summer for the connection!

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Hi Chris. I'd be surprised if they didn't have the peice already done. With todays geometrics, lidar and other measuring technology. I would think they would have some way to adjust it to fit, but I really don't have a idea. I suppose we will learn soon enough,eh? :)

[@localkiwi9988]

Kiwi here, very impressive bit of engineering

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Hi localkiwi9988. It certainly is quite the build.

[@trixdropd]

As was said earlier, best coverage out there. Thanks.

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Hi @trixdrpd. Thank you so much for the compliment.

[@slipperyjk]

Very interesting and well done video!

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Hi slipperyjk. I'm glad you liked it. Thanks for watching.

[@wiliamkirkpatrick1532]

Great video Bob. What a massive engineering feat. Fantastic!!

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Hi William. Many thanks! It sure is.

[@rollinwithunclepete824]

Thanks, Bob! Great video with exceptional explanation.

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Hi rollinwithunclepete824. You are welcome. And thank you for the kind words.

[@lawrencekoprowski6480]

My brother is is a cement technician on the Hudson Building in downtown Detroit. He sends me pictures from up there and some of the pictures I got has the Gordy Howell bridge in them. I think both projects are are scheduled for ribbon cutting around the same time. Cool stuff.

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Hi Lawerance. Very cool! I remember Hudsons when I was a kid. Amazing to see it being resurected. Thanks for sharing.

[@robbiecoomer4790]

I have been in concrete const my all life and it always amazes me how a project of this size in many different stages and what looks to be two different countries can still stay within a 10 month time frame . Don't bitch people because adding weather in to it which no one can control , 10 months is not only amazing it's surprising it not way longer of a set back ... 👍Good job to all involved..

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Hi Robbie. I agree one hundred percent!

[@mikeconklin1567]

A look at the concrete screed machine is huge. I’ve been on several bridge construction projects in NE Florida. Typically used is a Bidwell Concrete Screed Machine.

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Hi Mike. There is a massive amount of concrete work being done ON the GHB project. This is the first time watching these screed machines. I looked up the Bidwell machines. Very cool. Thanks for the information. :)

[@RobertBOUSKILL]

What a great job explaning the project. In the eighties I was a broker for Central Transport and went over the Ambassador bridge hundreds of times. Of course I was amazed that my boss owned the bridge and I still wonder how he got that right. And so I am extremely interested in the new bridge but I will be over 80 when it opens. I find walking and travelling difficult now but one day I hope to ride over the new bridge.

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Hi Robert. Nice to hear from you. Thank you so much for the kind words. I'm no spring chicken myself. I wish only the best for your health and wellbeing. Sounds however you have put the bridge on your bucket list. Goals have more power than we give them credit for. Who knows, maybe we'll meet there by chance! :) Thanks for the geart post.

[@edgarandrews3691]

Beautiful job Hope it’s Union

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Hi Ed. Yes, it is a union job. Bridging North America, the private-sector partner responsible for the project, is working with local skilled trades unions to reach project labor agreements that will cover participation on the project. Thanks for the question!

[@coldlakealta4043]

soon it will be easier to get over to Detroit and watch the Maple Leafs clash with Gordie's Red Wings - also the Blue Jays/Tigers and Raptors/Pistons. Can't wait!

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Hi @coldlakealta4043. You forgot the Lions! Lol. Your right there are a lot of events close to the Windsor Detroit border. Thanks for the sporty comment!!

[@valamaas]

Top video 🇦🇺

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Hi valamaas. Thank you very much. Glad to have you watching. :)

[@johnjones1645]

Way to go bro! Seems you never run out of update information 😲

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Hi John. Thanks! It takes research for sure, but the info is out there. :)

[@thomasrobinson8336]

Really shallow here. But, if i was working on the bridge. Another extra 10 months more money.When its done to all concerned properly then open it . King of the drone

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Hi Thomas. Certainly is a bonus for the workers. Getting things done right trumps getting things done fast for sure. Good comment. Thanks!

[@mjones8204]

Great video! Tall Ships, is the height sufficient for their masts to clear it? Do you know the clearance from water to bridge?

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Hi Mike. Yes, and no. The distance from the water to the bridge deck in the middle is approx 160 feet. A quick search told me tall ships masts range from 130 to 200 feet (40-60 meters) from the waterline. As a general rule, the height of the tallest mast on a sailing ship is roughly equal to the length of the ship itself, though this can vary based on the specific design and purpose of the vessel. The largest tall ship that has come up the Detroit River appears to be the Appledore IV, an 85-foot long tall schooner. So, yes, so far.:)

[@oiygfdxssfgg]

Awesome video

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Hi oiygfdxssfgg. Thank you for the kind words. Glad to have you here.

[@ronwilken5219]

Thank you for these videos. We drove to Detroit's Fox theatre yesterday and that was my first, firsthand view of the new bridge. I hadn't been to Windsor for a good few years so the changes around the bridge are quite extraordinary. A few weeks ago, CBC Windsor's news department were interviewing residents who commented that the old "windsor hum" that had disappeared with the closing of the Zug Island blast furnace seemed to be coming back. On our return from detroit yesterday both my son in law and I felt a low frequency rumble while sitting in the car outside Tim Horton's on the main road from the Ambassador bridge, Huron Church I believe. Could it be the "wind in the wires" causing the return of the "Windsor hum"?

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Hi Ron. The Fox Theater is a cool building. I never experienced the hum, but it drove my brother in law to complain for years. There is a chance if it was windy, but the hum was pretty consistant in any weather. I'll ask if he can hear it again. It has been quite the mystery, eh?

[@ozzietadziu]

I may have missed this in previous episodes, but I am curious about the types and frequency of expansion joints on the bridge.

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Hi Ozzie. Nope, didn't miss it. So I did a quick search. In summary, the Gordie Howe International Bridge is designed to minimize the use of expansion joints, but the exact expansion joint specifications are not clearly outlined in the given information. I will keep the question in mind and if I find a more comprehensive answer I'll post it in the community chat, or include it in anopther video. Thanks for the question!

[@malcolmclayton6651]

A new design in my opinion is for industrial and urban living that makes the best uses of public transportation and walking to support families and is retail friendly

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Hi Malcolm. There isn't too much retail close to the bridge currently. Sandwich Town is ten minutes away. The Bridge Project is doing some neighbourhood beautification and the neighbourhood does need it. In time more business will locate in the area to take advantage of the new bridge I imagine, so who knows!?:) Thanks for the thoughtful post.

[@malcolmclayton6651]

@@bobjonesrealtor7756 A ware house operated by robotics on the Canadian side . There many advantages because the operation vs humans does not require housing .

[@UgoErnest]

Nice❤

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Thanks 🔥

[@williamlloyd3769]

Spectacular! Wonder if the replacement for the Baltimore Francis Scott Key bridge will be similar in construction and appearance? Assume Baltimore will also demolish the 50 year old bridge approaches after the ship channel is fully cleared.

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Hi William. Good question, but I have no idea. The cable stay design has become very popular so maybe they will. Thanks for the post. :)

[@djm5k]

I recently saw that Baltimore was still considering either a suspension or cable-stayed bridge at this point. I would bet they go with a cable-stayed bridge for the Key replacement, although probably not as elaborate as the Gordie bridge. I believe a cable-stayed bridge is more economical to build than a suspension type bridge.

[@ChrisSeliga]

@@djm5kYeah, a cable-stayed bridge is a lot cheaper than a suspension bridge, plus it's usually quicker to build, except in the case of the Gordie Howe Bridge! 😉 I think the replacement bridge in Baltimore will definitely be a cable-stayed and at least 3 lanes in each direction, maybe expandable to 4 lanes in each direction. The old bridge had just 2 lanes in each direction.

[@williamfleaher5834]

Cincinnati Ohio needs a bridge built!!

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Hi William. I'm sure there are bridges all over North America that need massive updating or replacement. Hope Cincinnati gets what it needs sooner than later.

[@markblain8438]

Beautiful Bridge and nothing in the water

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Hi Mark. Quite incredible to span over half a mile without supports in the water for sure! Thank you for the comment.

[@roberte.hartman2367]

The Baltimore FSK replacement should look at this design. No pylons shipping lanes.

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Hi Robert. No supports in the water is an advantage for sure.👍

[@jh1982a]

Very nice video... but I find it ironic that I see all those custom lanes.. but yet our US southern border is wide open

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Hi@jh1982a. Good catch. It could be because Canada collects all tolls, both US and Can. Until Canada collects enough to get back our investment to build the bridge. I take the footage of Michigan from Canada, so I can't really comment on the US sides plaza. Good obversation though! Maybe someone else will have a better idea.

[@JamesCee]

How do they adjust for the final section in the middle of the bridge to join the two halves together?

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Hi James. I think they place the final section and then adjust the tension on all the stay cables to get the proper fit and balance. Just a guess, but I will see what I can find out about it before it happens. Thanks for the question.

[@fishbones2]

This might make a good design to use in replacing the broken Key bridge in Baltimore.

[@heartobefelt]

The Baltimore crew could buy the Gordie Howe bridge designs from a chinese hacker . simple !

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Hi hearttobefelt. China has done some extraordinary construction projects. They also have their share of problems with them, too. Thanks for the post.

[@heartobefelt]

@@bobjonesrealtor7756 Yes , They too have a broad spectrum of humanity clambering to find their habitation spot on the earths surface. Hindered by constrictive politics , elements of dishonesty , insecure politicians who want to keep their thumb on the heads of all citizens , Their Govt policy inhibits creative minds from achieving more , but every country has its elements of darkness and elements of light. Some countries have the wealthy slave owners plotting to widen the wealth divide which also destroys their citizens hearts and minds.

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Kinda sounds like Canada, eh?

[@Christafa-ss3lu]

Great video! But, if the drone would fly like the car/truck traffic would flow off the surrounding freeways to the bridge.

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Hi Christa. That's not a bad idea. I'll consider that in a video. Thanks for the heads up! :)

[@douglaspierce8480]

If it takes this long to replace the Key bridge, then Baltimore is truly in big trouble.

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Hi Doug. Your talking years for sure.

[@Gary-hi5xr]

Don't want to hurry a project of that magnitude.

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Hi Gary. Absolutely right. Do it right, even if it does cause a delay. Like the saying a stitch in time, right?

[@004Black]

Does anyone know if the bridge deck has been designed with ice and snow abatement technology such as heated lanes? I would think engineers would not want corrosive salt used on it.

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Hi 004Black. I couldn't find any information about the ice and snow abatement, however I would think the engineers would hasve taken that into consideration considering the climate around this area. I'll keep my eyes and ears open. :)

[@stevegem4155]

What do you think the fate of the Blue water bridge will be upon completion?

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Hi Steven. The Bluewater Bridge has it's own traffic plus the hazardous materials that used to cross on the truck ferry in Windsor/Detroit. The Gordie Howe allows hazardous materials so I expect it will go back to normal, if that makes sense.:)

[@mokorily5022]

The Gordie Howe Bridge is a beautiful step sister of the Vasco da Gama Bridge in Lisbon, that took 3 years to build and is the longest in European Union: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qoSwYZSHZrtloqc

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Hi mokorily5022. That is quite the bridge! Three years is impressive considering the length. Thanks for the link!

[@user-mf4xb6nv2m]

Did you say they were using stainless steel rebar?

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Hi User-mf4xb6nv2m. God question. Yes. That's the information i gathered in my research. Stanless steel is used to ensure the brifge lasts at least 125 years.

[@user-mf4xb6nv2m]

@@bobjonesrealtor7756 That wont be cheap but in that environment it`s a smart move.

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

I agree with that.

[@user-mf4xb6nv2m]

@@bobjonesrealtor7756 Thanks for posting the vids on the bridge. I want to see it the next time in Michigan seeing the in laws.

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Worth the trip I think.

[@stoveguy2133]

Use design for key bridge replacement

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Hi stoveguy2133. Sounds like a popular choice!

[@cyberentomology]

Can you copy and paste this bridge into Baltimore?

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

If life was so easy.

[@alanjohnson2613]

Being part of many large engineering projects, hurrying just leads to mistakes

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Hi Alan. I agree with that. Thanks for sharing.

[@guyh.4121]

That’s a lotta Concrete.

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Hi @guyh4121. You got that right. Thanks for the comment. :)

[@billbertakis744]

I would rather be 10 months late perfect, than 10 months earlier half-ass.

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Hi Bill. I agree 100%+. Thanks for the comment.

[@AfifHassanOfficial]

Hello sir hope you are well I am a digital marketer I am recharging your youtube channel your video quality is very nice I see some problems in your channel as a digital marketer I want to help you

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Hi. Lots to learn and do on KZbin to grow a channel. I appreciate the offer, however I'm not interested at this time. Thank you for reaching out to help. Maybe some time in the future.

[@skiptoacceptancemdarlin]

Tell that guy to get off his ass and get back to work!

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Lol. Hi skiptoacceptancemdarlin. I'd have to get a megaphone for my drone.

[@georgetaylor1063]

Canada, No thank you.

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Hi George. Hope all is well with you and your loved ones. If Canada is not for you, that's ok. That is what freedom is all about. Thanks for sharing.

[@allwinds3786]

I can do without the silly gutter, sorry guitar "music" .

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Hi allwinds3786. I appreciate you have your own taste in music. Thanks for posting.

[@PeterLee-zn3jl]

If only you could apply this level of secured design to MEXICAN BORDER..... WE HAVE JUST AS MUCH , IF NOT MORE NEED FOR SECURE COMMERCE AND CITIZEN SAFETY, WHY NOT..? Hmmmm

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Hi Peter. I agree with your opinion. In 2023, 2024 Canada has had almost 200,000 crossings at our border. The US border has has millions in the same period. It's criminal and the authorities are overrun by inept leaders failing to stop it. It's runing your country and ours in turn. JMO

[@rgamore]

Why are you reporting this bridge project in the mist of the Bridge Damage In Baltimore. That has our undivided attention , not what’s going on somewhere outside the USA.

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Hi @rgamore. The bridge collapse in Baltimore is horrific to say the least. If I was within distance of the bridge I would do updates on the progress there, however, unfortunately I'm not. I'm in Ontario Canada. In Windsor, across from Detroit. The Gordie Howe is an international bridge connecting Canada to the USA, and great interest to Americans and Canadians alike. I offer my condolences to the families and loved ones that lost people in the collapse, and hope for an expedited completion of a new crossing.

[@uncledeadlythefirst]

Be nice if it was Truck traffic only, would speed things up massively.

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Hi uncledeadlythefirst. No chance of that. I would suspect traffic will flow pretty good with the two bridges and the tunnel. The Gordie Howe will relieve a lot of, if not all congestion on our borders. JMO. Thanks for the comment.

[@salemdesigns65]

I read some time ago that it was proposed to have the new bridge carry commerce and the Ambassador Bridge would carry passenger cars. Don't know if that's still the deal.

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

@@salemdesigns65 No I don't think so. However, it will balance out after the novelty of the new bridge wears a little in my opinion. The downtown traffic to Detroit or Windsor will choose the Ambassador or the Detroit/Windsor Tunnel. Highway travellers will apreciate the direct linl to the freeways.

[@CanandianPeriod]

If this project was under government control it would be years behind and millions over budget !! I like you understand the delay with the complexity of the project as a whole.

[@bobjonesrealtor7756]

Hello @CanadianPeriod! It is a government public/private funded project. Bridging North America is the group constructing the project and they are doing a great job. The logistics of dealing with two governments rules and regulations has to be a nighmare alone. But it is getting done! Thanks for sharing.