WINDSOR, ONTARIO – Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA) announced today that a significant milestone has been met in the public-private partnership (P3) procurement process with the selection of Bridging North America as the Preferred Proponent to design, build, finance, operate and maintain the Gordie Howe International Bridge project. Bridging North America’s design will see it delivered as a cable-stayed bridge.

Bridging North America was selected following a rigorous evaluation of the proposals submitted by the three Proponent teams invited to participate in the Request for Proposals (RFP) stage. The criteria evaluated included: project schedule management, the design and build approach, durability of the infrastructure, community benefits, operation, maintenance and rehabilitation plans, measures to ensure compliance with architectural criteria, and the robustness of the financing plan.

The technical and financial proposals were evaluated by subject-matter experts with extensive engineering and financial expertise and, as with the entire P3 procurement process, the evaluation was overseen by an independent fairness monitor who provided an independent opinion confirming the fairness, openness and transparency of the process.

Over the coming months, WDBA will negotiate final contract details with Bridging North America. The cost of the project, design details and expected construction schedule will be announced publicly following financial close which is expected by the end of September, signaling the contract has been awarded and signed.

The new Gordie Howe International Bridge will provide for redundancy at the busiest trade corridor between Canada and the United States with improved border processing and highway-to-highway international connectivity. It also addresses future needs and will provide six lanes to meet anticipated growth in traffic over the years to come.

Quotes:

“This is an exciting time for WDBA and for communities on both sides of the border. The selection of Bridging North America as the Preferred Proponent is another step forward towards the start of construction of the Gordie Howe International Bridge – the largest infrastructure project along the Canada-US border and one which will stimulate the economies in Canada and the United States.”

Dwight Duncan, Chair, WDBA Board of Directors

“The momentum continues with the selection of Bridging North America as our Preferred Proponent. Over 60 subject-matter experts undertook a rigorous evaluation process, putting in countless hours, to reach today’s decision. WDBA looks forward to the completion of the procurement process and to the start of construction later this year.”

André Juneau, Interim CEO, WDBA

Quick facts

• The Gordie Howe International Bridge project will be delivered through a public-private partnership according to a set contract value and timeline.
• The project includes the Canadian Port of Entry, the bridge, US Port of Entry and I-75 interchange.
• Construction of the bridge will begin in 2018.
• Key members of Bridging North America include: ACS Infrastructure Canada Inc.; Dragados Canada Inc.; Fluor Canada Ltd.; AECOM; RBC Dominion Securities Inc.; Carlos Fernandez Casado S.L/FHECOR Ingenieros Consultores, S.A.; Moriyama and Teshima Architects; Smith-Miller + Hawkinson Architects, LLP.