The Gordie Howe International Bridge project includes construction of a 2.5 kilometre bridge, two state-of-the-art ports of entry and a Michigan Interchange connection. It is one of the largest international infrastructure projects underway along the Canada-US border. Valued at $5.7 billion (CAD), it will deliver much-needed transportation improvements for travelers between Windsor, Ontario and Detroit, Michigan, and broader regional socioeconomic opportunities.
  
 While the 0.5-mile bridge river crossing will be the most visible portion of the project, the broader scope of this bi-national, complex P3 megaproject is unique for its focus on community and attention to sustainability and human experience. Commitments to enhancing public space, connectivity, and mobility for all roadway users and skillful integration of large-scale infrastructure components within the local streetscape network differentiate it from similar transportation projects.
  
 This session will address:
 
  Community-driven and collaborative approaches taken to deliver this major infrastructure project between two nations, six levels of government, and two economically and socially diverse communities
  Project team, community, and government partnerships to create meaningful, sustainable benefits for adjacent neighborhoods and lessen the burden of construction
  Best practices and engagement principles implemented throughout the project life cycle.
 
 The following case studies will show a 360-view of how the owner, constructor and communities worked together to identify and achieve shared ownership of outcomes: 
 
 Incorporation of an International Multi-use Path: During the procurement phase, the Owner amended the bridge’s design scope to include a cross-border multi-use path following a groundswell of community requests. The project and local governments are now investing in complementary initiatives to develop and connect regional active transportation networks.
 
 Community Benefits Plan Development: A three-year consultation and engagement process occurred over the procurement and design phases to incorporate local community priorities into the project’s robust Community Benefits Plan. This provides tailored workforce opportunities and neighbourhood infrastructure benefits for the region, above and beyond the project’s physical infrastructure.
 
 Local Road Improvements: In recognition of the host communities’ new role as a gateway community and in response to public consultation, accessibility enhancements were incorporated into the project scope through local road improvements to be undertaken in Canada and the US adjacent to the project footprint. These include road reconstruction, intersection improvements, cycling facilities, and several pedestrian bridge crossings over Interstate-75. In addition to proactive and responsive stakeholder and community relations, the integration of access and mobility enhancements and overall community benefits initiatives were leveraged within project plans and design outcomes to further advance the project’s overall target Envision award level.
  
  Visit www.gordiehoweinternationalbridge.com to learn more about this once-in-a-generation project.

HOT TOPIC 6: Gordie Howe International Bridge: Connecting Communities Beyond Four Wheels

To lean into ASCE’s sustainability efforts to mitigate environmental effects and use resources wisely, ASCE’s International Conferences on Sustainable Infrastructure (ICSI) 2021 will be held as a virtual event. The dates of ICSI 2021 will be December 6-10th. We hope you will join us in this multi-day, multi-faceted program!

Powered by the ICSI Steering Committee based in Houston, the 2021 event will bring together leaders to discuss leveraging sustainable infrastructure for resilient communities.  The program will offer content from across the globe, but have several highlights on sustainability initiatives in Houston, Texas. We hope you will join us virtually for plenary sessions, technical discussions, along with opportunities for Q&A and networking, connecting with virtual exhibitors, and to earn professional development hours.  

We look forward to ‘seeing you’ at ICSI 2021!"