The Windsor Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA) has awarded its first major contract for the Gordie Howe Bridge.
Parsons Inc. of Markham has been hired for the role of 'Owner’s Engineer' and will begin its work in April.
As part of the $61-million dollar contract, Parsons will support the WDBA through design review, providing technical advice, monitoring and overseeing the construction activities of the private-sector partner through inspections, compliance reviews and audits.
The Owner’s Engineer on #GordieHoweBridge will support #WDBA by providing technical advice, design review and overseeing construction activities of the P3 partner. Full video: https://t.co/Yzt4aFHWrw #NEM2018 pic.twitter.com/yAUPKRNIau
— Gordie Howe International Bridge (@GordieHoweBrg) March 6, 2018
WDBA Spokesperson, Mark Butler says to be clear, Parsons Inc. has not been selected to design or build the bridge. "It saves WDBA from hiring 30 or more engineers and technical people," says Butler. "We hire one firm to act as our technical representative to act on our behalf."
Butler adds, this is a big step in the process. "Up until now, we've awarded contracts for preparatory activities, both on the Canadian and U.S. side to get the ports of entry, the inspection plazas if you will, ready," says Butler. "A huge amount of work has been done, about $350-million in that preparatory activity. People should be very excited, it's happening."
Construction on the new bridge between Windsor and Detroit is still scheduled to begin this year with the private-sector partner that will design, build and maintain the bridge, to be announced in June.