Gordie Howe International Bridge to connect Detroit, Canada

Of course a project connecting Canada with the city of Detroit would have to be named for the great Gordie Howe.

Construction on the Gordie Howe International Bridge, which will span Ontario's Highway 401 and Michigan's Interstate 75, has officially begun, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Friday.

The crossing is named for Howe, the legendary Hall of Fame forward who is a native of Floral, Saskatchewan but played 25 seasons for the Detroit Red Wings. The bridge is part of many transformative infrastructure projects across the country.

"Today, full construction begins on the largest and most ambitious infrastructure project along the Canada-United States border," Trudeau said. "Canadians need infrastructure they can rely on to get where they want to go and to expand their businesses within our borders and beyond. The Gordie Howe International Bridge will help grow our economy, encourage increased trade and investment, and create good, well-paying jobs on both sides of the border."
"Through this long process of planning, our partnership with Canada has been strengthened, and we owe them a great deal of gratitude for never wavering throughout many challenges, and for all of the work that has finally brought us to this momentous day," Michigan governor Rick Snyder said.
The bridge will have six lanes and span 1.5 milers (2.5 kilometers). It also will include new Canadian and U.S. ports of entry. The bridge is expected to be completed by 2024.