Work continues to push forward on the new Gordie Howe International Bridge project.
A public meeting was held Wednesday night where residents were given the latest update from the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority.
Director of Communications Mark Butler says early construction is already underway across the border with Canadian work expected to begin in the fall.
Butler says they're hoping to wrap up all financial obligations with the project proponent Bridging North America by the end of September.
"At that point in time we'll be able to say what the cost of the project will be, what the timeline will be for the build, when you can actually drive, bike or walk across that bridge and soon after that financial close is reached then you'll see actual project construction starting."
Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority's Director of Communications Mark Butler (Photo by AM800's Zander Broeckel)
He says all tolls are going to be collected on the Canadian side — opposite of what travellers are used to on the Ambassador Bridge.
"The Government of Canada is financing all the components of the bridge. The Canadian port of entry, the bridge itself, the U.S. port of entry. Consequently, the decision was made that we would collect all the tolls on the Canadian side and those tolls will be used to pay off Canada's indebtedness to the project."
Butler says engaging the public throughout the process will remain a top priority.
"This is arguably one of the biggest infrastructure projects in North America. There's a huge interest and this is happening right here in Windsor and Detroit. It's really going to literally change the landscape in Windsor and Detroit. So even if somebody never goes across that bridge, it's in their backyard and we want to make sure that the community knows exactly what's happening."
Butler adds work is ongoing to acquire the final 5% of U.S. land needed for the project which includes a handful of residential and commercial properties — all Canadian land that's needed is ready.
The Authority is hosting another public information session Thursday night in Detroit at the Historic Fort Wayne from 3pm to 7pm.
Conceptual design of the Gordie Howe International Bridge (Photo courtesy of the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority)