The Gordie Howe International Bridge has passed a major hurdle after a land agreement has been reached with the City of Detroit.
Detroit has reached an agreement with the State of Michigan to sell 36 city-owned parcels of land, underground assets, and city-owned streets for $48-million.
The city will use those funds for neighbourhood redevelopment, job training, and health monitoring for Detroit residents.
“This kind of collaborative approach is how we are going to approach every major project that comes into our city,” says Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan. “We were able to come up with a package that addresses the needs and concerns of the community in the area of the bridge, and positions Detroiters to take advantage of the jobs that this once in a lifetime infrastructure project will create for years to come. We will continue to work closely with members of the [Community Advisory Group] to ensure their voices are heard.”
The Windsor Detroit Bridge Authority, through the Michigan Department of Transportation, will pay $33-million for the purchase of the property, and lease of some city roads during construction. The remaining money will come from the State of Michigan to provide job training, neighbourhood redevelopment and health monitoring for the city, particularly in the Delray community.
Construction of the bridge is set to begin in 2018. It will be 2.5 km six-lane bridge, with a multi-use trail for cyclists.
Preparatory work on the bridge has already begun, however a final contractor and design has not been selected.
