News Summary
The Jefferson Barrier Wall for the Gordie Howe International Bridge has been completed, enhancing connectivity between Detroit and Windsor. Standing 8 feet tall and stretching 4,011 feet, the wall features a star-inspired design created from community feedback. While the bridge project nears 98% completion, delays may push the opening to 2026 due to port readiness and labor shortages. This project, estimated at $4.7 billion, will feature North America’s longest cable-stayed bridge once completed, pending necessary customs preparations.
Detroit – The construction of the Jefferson Barrier Wall for the Gordie Howe International Bridge has been completed, marking a crucial development in the ongoing bridge project that aims to enhance connectivity between Detroit, Michigan, and Windsor, Ontario. This wall, an integral component of the U.S. Port of Entry, is positioned along West Jefferson Avenue, between Green Street and Campbell Street, and is designed to enhance the overall aesthetic and security of the area.
The barrier wall, which stretches for 4,011 feet and stands 8 feet tall, is a non-climbable and opaque security structure. It features a star-inspired design that was chosen following community consultations held in 2019, during which over 680 responses were collected both online and in person. This design is intended to interact with light and shadow throughout the day, creating a visually appealing entrance for both pedestrians and cyclists who will utilize the nearby multi-use path.
The completion of the Jefferson Barrier Wall celebrates a significant milestone, as the bridge project itself is currently reported to be 98% complete. However, despite this high level of progress, a recent report by S&P Global has indicated that the bridge’s opening may be delayed until 2026 due to readiness issues related to the ports of entry on both sides of the Detroit-Windsor crossing.
One of the primary factors contributing to the potential delay is the difficulty construction contractors have faced in transferring control of the U.S. and Canadian ports of entry to the respective border agencies. These agencies are required to install vital equipment and technology necessary for border processing. While the Canadian Border Services Agency has stated that it is prepared to commence operations by the initially planned opening date, U.S. Customs and Border Protection has not yet confirmed its readiness.
Drone footage has revealed ongoing activity at the U.S. port of entry facility, suggesting that work is still in progress. Construction experts estimate that approximately 2% of the total construction remains, with an anticipated completion date set for fall 2025. Currently, the total cost of the bridge project is estimated at $4.7 billion, and it is important to note that upon completion, the Gordie Howe International Bridge will feature North America’s longest cable-stayed bridge.
In order for the bridge to officially open to traffic, Canada mandates a nine-month possession period prior to the inauguration, while U.S. Customs requires six months for preparation and setup. This means that if the necessary customs facilities are not handed over to the border agencies by May 2025, the potential delay in the bridge’s opening could extend by up to six months.
Labor shortages in the region have also been highlighted as a contributing factor to construction delays. A nearby car battery manufacturing plant is presently demanding skilled labor, further exacerbating workforce availability. Despite these challenges, the construction team, known as Bridging North America, which includes ACS Infrastructure Canada, Fluor Canada, and Aecon Concessions, has continued to make headway with various aspects of the project such as landscaping, paving, and interior work to facilitate the final stages of the bridge’s opening.
Funding for the project has initially been secured by Canada, and once the construction costs are fully recouped through toll revenues, the revenue will subsequently be shared with the U.S. until that time.
In conclusion, while the completion of the Jefferson Barrier Wall represents a significant technical achievement in the Gordie Howe International Bridge project, the anticipated delays in the official opening highlight critical issues regarding port readiness and infrastructure coordination between U.S. and Canadian border agencies.
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Additional Resources
- Click On Detroit: Gordie Howe International Bridge Could Face More Delays
- Wikipedia: Gordie Howe International Bridge
- Toledo Blade: Toledo Leaders Hopeful for Success of Gordie Howe International Bridge
- Google Search: Gordie Howe International Bridge
- WXYZ: Jefferson Barrier Wall Completed for Gordie Howe International Bridge
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gordie Howe International Bridge
- Construction Dive: Gordie Howe Bridge Opening Possible Delay
- Google News: Gordie Howe International Bridge
- BlogTO: Largest US-Canada Border Crossing Opening Ontario
Author: STAFF HERE DETROITMI WRITER
DETROIT STAFF WRITER The DETROIT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDetroitMI.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Detroit, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Movement Electronic Music Festival, Detroit Grand Prix, and America's Thanksgiving Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Detroit Regional Chamber and Focus HOPE, plus leading businesses in automotive and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Henry Ford Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
