The ground has officially been broken on the US side of the Detroit River for the early works ahead of the Gordie Howe Bridge.
American and Canadian officials held shovels to symbolically start the work in Delray.
Shovels in the ground for advance work for the Gordie Howe International Bridge in Delray, Michigan. #cklw pic.twitter.com/NnmtFUNYiJ
— Peter Langille (@PLangille800) July 17, 2018
Michigan Governor Rick Snyder was praised for his effort to make sure the project got to this stage.
Michigan Governor Rick Snyder at the groundbreaking in Delray, July 17, 2018 (by AM800's Peter Langille)
He says he may have led the charge, but he was not alone.
Snyder says Canada needs to be thanked for covering the financial costs of the construction.
"They're putting up the resources to build this bridge. That's something that every Michigander should thank every Canadian of, this is a partnership between our country and our state. We're great partners in this, but they're providing the resources to build this bridge. Let's recognize that and say thank-you"
He told the crowd the bridge itself is a symbol of the strength of the Canada US relationship.
WDBA Chair Dwight Duncan says it's a critical step to have the advance work get underway in the Delray area.
Windsor Detroit Bridge Authority Chair Dwight Duncan, Michigan Governor Rick Snyder, Minister of Infrastructure Amarjeet Sohi, Delray, Michigan, July 17, 2018 (by AM800's Peter Langille)
He says the support of Michigan's Governor has been critical to get the project to where it is.
Duncan says this is key work for construction of the Gordie Howe International Bridge.
"Today we are poised to start critical advance works including geotechnical exploration and construction of test piles for the main bridge here in Detroit"
The " advance work" in Delray will bring the US side up to the same level of readiness as at Brighton Beach on the Canadian side.
The next major milestone will be the announcement of the final contract in September.
None of the officials offered a date when the bridge would be completed and ready for traffic.