No one is saying exactly when the Gordie Howe International Bridge will be open to traffic, but officials are acknowledging the end of the project is near.
Construction of the bridge, a 1.5-mile structure that connects Detroit to Ontario, is on track to be finished by the end of the year.
Heather Grondin, the chief relations officer of the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority, told The Detroit News that construction is about 98 percent done and should be completed by the end of the fall.
She wouldn’t say when the bridge might actually open to traffic, according to the News report.
The paper reported that remaining work includes installation of the electrical, fire suppression and drainage systems, and barriers and fencing for the multiuse path on the bridge.
Grondin told The News work is still being done at the 13 structures and 36 primary inspection lanes at the U.S. Port of Entry and the 11 structures and 24 primary inspection lanes at the Canadian Port of Entry.
She said crews are also installing, testing and commissioning electric systems.
“This includes ensuring all our technologies properly connect with each other,” Grondin told The News. “Building, testing and re-testing these systems is an important part of the project team’s work with our partner agencies, first responders and the transportation agencies on both sides of the border in preparation for operations.”
The bridge, financed by the Canadian federal government, will provide direct access in the U.S. to I-75 and Interstate 96 in Detroit and in Canada to Ontario Highway 401.
