After decades of planning and years of construction, the Gordie Howe International Bridge is now open to traffic — but those behind the project say what drivers see on opening day is only part of the story. From its clean, sweeping lines to its uncluttered deck, much of the bridge’s complexity has been intentionally hidden from view. “Everything is hidden basically inside,” said architect Erik Behrens, who helped lead the design. “You can’t actually see the cabling, you can’t see utilitarian infrastructure, and that makes it a beautiful landmark structure and something to enjoy.” Behrens said the goal from the outset was to create not just a piece of infrastructure, but a lasting visual symbol for the region. “When you look at it, it looks sort of timeless, beautiful, elegant,” he said. “We wanted to create something which is beautiful and a landmark structure.” That vision extends to the experience of driving across the span, which Behrens describes as carefully choreographed. “I think what I wanted to create is a cinematic experience,” he explained, pointing to the sweeping approach, the tower acting as a “gateway,” and the rhythm of cables guiding drivers across the Detroit River. “You can look over the water and see the skyline of Detroit … it’s almost cinematic.” Behind that experience, however, is a project year — and even decades — in the making. “This is really the outcome of a quarter century of work,” said Grant Hilbers, chief capital officer on the project. Hilbers said the bridge, along with its supporting infrastructure, represents one of the most complex builds along the Canada-U.S. border. “Many people say this is four projects in one,” he said, citing the bridge itself, two ports of entry and the connection to Interstate 75 in Michigan. The scale of the undertaking is reflected in the workforce behind it. “About 15,000 different people have come through this project … over 20 million hours have been worked to deliver this project,” Hilbers told CTV News. The result is a crossing designed to improve efficiency along the busiest land trade corridor between the two countries. “This brings highway-to-highway connectivity. It brings efficiency,” he said. “This really just enhances the ability to move commerce and people across the border.” The bridge is also notable for its size — the longest cable-stayed bridge in North America and among the longest in the Western world — further cementing its place as both an engineering and architectural landmark. For Behrens, the project’s impact goes beyond its physical scale. “I hope that everyone will enjoy the landmark,” he said. “It should inspire and captivate people.” Hilbers, who was born in Windsor, said seeing the bridge open to traffic is a career-defining moment. “Working on this project has been a privilege,” he exclaimed. “Seeing it finally come together and having the first traffic cross here … will just be very, very rewarding.” As drivers make their first crossings, Behrens said the bridge is meant to become something personal for everyone who uses it. “Everyone’s going to have a quite personal experience with it,” he said. “It is an engineering marvel and an architectural beauty.”
