New International Bridge Rising Over the Detroit River

The Gordie Howe International Bridge is under construction, towering over the Detroit River at a height of 772 feet on the U.S. side of the river.

1 minute read

September 3, 2023, 5:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Construction in progress on the Gordie Howe International Bridge above the Detroit River.

The state of construction on the Gordie Howe International Bridge on the U.S. side of the border in July 2023. | Gordie Howe International Bridge

The U.S. tower on the Gordie Howe International Bridge in Detroit now reaches its full height over the Detroit River, topping out at 722 feet, just a few feet shorter than the Renaissance Center.

Robin Runyan provides an update on construction progress on the new bridge border crossing for an article for Urbanize Detroit, reporting also that some of the bridge deck has been installed.

As for what to expect, “In addition to three lanes each way for vehicular traffic, the Gordie Howe International Bridge will have a multi-use path for bikes and pedestrians. The bridge is expected to open in 2025.” See Planetizen’s archive for more of the process that led to this point with the bridge project.

The Gordie Howe International Bridge website has a full set of July 2023 construction photos for more eye candy on the bridge’s construction.

Wednesday, August 30, 2023 in Urbanize Detroit

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

High-rise apartment buildings in Waikiki, Hawaii with steep green mountains in background.

Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss

The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.

April 6, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

People sitting and walking in plaza in front of historic Benton County Courthouse in Bentonville, Arkansas.

Placekeeping: Setting a New Precedent for City Planners

How a preservation-based approach to redevelopment and urban design can prevent displacement and honor legacy communities.

March 28, 2025 - Emily McCoy

Rusty abandoned oil well and equipment with prickly pear cactus next to it in West Texas.

Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage

Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.

March 31, 2025 - Pennsylvania State University

Two people on bikes riding down paved Burke-Gilman bike trail in King County, Washington on a sunny day.

Washington State Plans Ambitious ‘Cycle Highway’ Network

The state is directing funding to close gaps in its existing bike network and make long-distance trips more accessible.

2 hours ago - Momentum Magazine

Small green ADU cottage in lush backyard in San Jose, California.

Homeowners Blame PG&E for Delays in ADU Permits

The utility says it has dramatically reduced its backlog, but applicants say they still face months-long delays for approvals for new electrical work.

3 hours ago - San Francisco Chronicle

Large oak tree in meadow with sun filtering from behind it in Angeles National Forest.

Rethinking Wildfire Defense: How a Landscape Approach Can Protect Neighborhoods

Post-fire analysis of the Eaton Fire reveals that a landscape approach — including fire-resistant vegetation, home hardening, and strategic planning — can help reduce wildfire risk, challenging assumptions that trees and plants are primary fire hazards.

4 hours ago - ASLA The Dirt