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

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

June 11, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Metrorail train pulling into newly opened subterranean station in Washington, D.C. with crowd on platform taking photos.

Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”

The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).

June 2, 2025 - The Hill

Large crowd on street in San Francisco, California during Oktoberfest festival.

The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns

In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.

June 2, 2025 - Robbie Silver

Bird's eye view of studio apartment design.

In These Cities, Most New Housing is Under 441 Square Feet

With loosened restrictions on “micro-housing,” tiny units now make up as much as 66% of newly constructed housing.

1 hour ago - Smart Cities Dive

Man in teal shirt opening door to white microtransit shuttle with cactus graphics and making inviting gesture toward the camera.

Albuquerque’s Microtransit: A Planner’s Answer to Food Access Gaps

New microtransit vans in Albuquerque aim to close food access gaps by linking low-income areas to grocery stores, cutting travel times by 30 percent and offering planners a scalable model for equity-focused transit.

June 13 - U.S. Department Of Transportation

Group of people at table set ouf with picnic food on street during a neighborhood block party.

This City Will Pay You to Meet Your Neighbors

A North Kansas City grant program offers up to $400 for residents to throw neighborhood block parties.

June 13 - The Kansas City Star