The head of the Windsor Detroit Bridge Authority is all smiles now that construction work has begun on the U.S. side.
WDBA Chair Dwight Duncan says it's a critical step to have the advance work get underway in the Delray area.
He says the support of Michigan's Governor has been critical to get the project to where it is.
"Governor Snyder you have referred to yourself as one tough nerd. But I suggest a better moniker would be one tough leader. Thank-you for making today possible, thank-you very much," says Duncan.
Windsor West MP, Brian Masse also attended Tuesday's event and says the chosen proponent to build the bridge has reached out to Michigan residents affected by the project.
He says the bridge project has the opportunity to transform west Windsor.
"An area like Sandwich that is really a diamond in the rough become a cornerstone for not only the University of Windsor, but also the border crossing for tourism areas of living and most importantly a hub for innovation. So these are all possibilities," says Masse.
Community benefits is one of the elements identified in the original Request for Proposals for the Gordie Howe Bridge.
WDBA officials are working with Bridging North America to determine what that will end up being.
So far there hasn't been a public outreach to involve the community.