MAY 2023 COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER
US NOISEWALLS UNDERWAY
To help mitigate highway noise for Southwest Detroit residents living near I-75, and to meet requirements included in the Final Environmental Impact Statement, the project team is constructing noise walls along three sections of southbound I-75.
Noise walls will be located from Green Street to Waterman Street, Dragoon Street to Junction Street and Junction Street to Clark Street. They will be placed between the freeway and the service drive, and not affect sidewalks.
Construction started in January 2023 and all three are now underway. To construct a noise wall, crews install drill shafts approximately 20-to-70 feet into the ground to provide a foundation. Posts made of precast concrete are installed to support and secure the noise wall panels. The precast concrete panels are approximately eight inches thick and will range from 10-to-20 feet in height depending on location. Noise wall colours alternate between a limestone pattern finish and various grays.
Construction is anticipated to last through summer 2023 and may cause occasional single lane closures of the southbound I-75 Service Drive.
Noise wall locations were determined in 2009 and reviewed by the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) in 2018. Prior to 2009, MDOT performed a preliminary analysis of traffic noise in neighborhoods along the I-75 corridor to determine if residents experienced traffic noise impacts. A computer analysis was used to forecast future projected traffic levels. Following this analysis, the locations for the noise walls were identified. MDOT’s policy to put noise abatement measures like noise walls in place depends on feasibility and reasonableness. Learn more about these determining factors on GordieHoweInternationalBridge.com. If you have questions about noise wall construction, call the project toll-free number at 1-844-322-1773 or send an email to [email protected].
PEOPLE PROFILE: MEET PEIBO ZHAO
Peibo is an Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Engineer for Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority. He graduated with a Master of Applied Science (M.A.Sc) in Civil Engineering with a focus on transportation engineering from the University of Windsor. ITS provides innovative services relating to different modes of transport and traffic management and enables users to be better informed and make safer, more coordinated and smarter use of transport networks.
Q. What type of work are you doing on the project?
As the ITS Engineer, I provide the expertise and oversight for the design, implementation, commissioning and operation work associated with ITS for the two Ports of Entry, the bridge and the Michigan Interchange. I also work on the tolling system.
Q. What is the most rewarding part of working on the project?
Working on a complex, large-scale project like the Gordie Howe International Bridge allows me to tackle unique challenges and work with our private sector partner, Bridging North America, to implement cutting-edge design and engineering solutions, which is personally and professionally fulfilling.
Q. What do you wish other people knew about the project?
From an ITS and tolling perspective, the bridge will be equipped with state-of-the-art technologies which focus on the safety, efficiency and sustainability of transportation networks with the goal of avoiding traffic congestion and providing motorists with seamless driving experiences when crossing one of the busiest international land borders. Significant enhancements in connectivity will greatly improve bilateral trade, international cooperation and transportation networks.
COMMEMORATING HOPE AND FREEDOM THROUGH ART
In recognition of the area’s role as a destination point on the Underground Railroad and the contributions its travellers provided to the region, the Gordie Howe International Bridge project will include commemorative artwork at the Canadian Port of Entry. The commission will serve to symbolize hope and freedom and will be located in an accessible area where people can gather to reflect on the journeys made in the quest for freedom. The commission is in response to community feedback on the importance of this significant and impactful part of the area’s history. During the past two years, WDBA has worked with organizations to help develop this commission, including Detroit River Project and the Essex County Black Historical Research Society.
The artist selection process began in March 2023 and is anticipated to continue into summer. During the artist selection process, the project team will gather input from local members of the Black, African and Caribbean diaspora and broader Windsor-Essex community to share with the artist once identified. Following artist selection, WDBA will host a public meeting to allow the artist to share initial thoughts on the commission and hear first-hand from community members of the Black, African and Caribbean diaspora and others. The final art concept will be unveiled in late 2023. Installation is anticipated to coincide with the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge project. Learn more on GordieHoweInternationalBridge.com.
RAMPING UP TO THE US PORT OF ENTRY
You will soon see a new configuration of the Michigan Interchange. Ramp construction connecting I-75 to the US Port of Entry (POE) is well underway, with all ramps currently under construction. Installation of girders, otherwise known as support beams, is near completion and prep work for bridge deck construction is taking place in some sections. This includes laying steel formwork, rebar installations and concrete pours.
The ramps will vary in length from 944 metres/3,100 feet to 1,371 metres/4,500 feet to connect the freeway to the POE. Ramp heights will begin below grade for vehicles at I-75 and quickly elevate to a maximum of 23-feet above street-level prior to descending to ground level at the POE. Ramp construction is expected to continue into 2024.
IN THE COMMUNITY
Sandwich Teen Action Group (STAG) Afterschool Program
In April, female employees working on the Gordie Howe International Bridge project attended STAG’s afterschool program for middle school and high school girls. The team discussed the project and their various career paths, and led interactive and educational activities.
Earth Day
In April, the City of Windsor held their annual Earth Day event at Malden Park. Families of all ages stopped by the Gordie Howe International Bridge table to learn about some of the environmental components on the project, including the incorporation of the multi-use path for pedestrians and cyclists. Project staff handed out activity sheets, candy and bike reflectors to children and answered project-related questions.
领英推荐
Women in Mobility
The project team presented to WEtech Alliance’s Women in Mobility group who meets to share knowledge between those working in and around the mobility sector in Windsor and Detroit. This group was given a project update, and received information about how the new crossing will improve transportation in the region.
Michigan Construction Science Expo
In May, the Gordie Howe International Bridge project team attended the Construction Science Expo at Durfee Innovation Society. This event was free to Detroit middle and high school students interested in engineering and construction careers. Students had the opportunity to ask questions and speak with staff about career choices.
PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETINGS
Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority and Bridging North America will hold Public Information Meetings on June 20, 2023, in Windsor at Mackenzie Hall and on June 21, 2023, in Detroit at Kiosko Banquet Hall. The meetings will provide the latest updates on Canadian and US construction activities and the implementation of the Gordie Howe International Bridge Community Benefits Plan. Presentations will begin promptly at 3:30 p.m. and 5:15 p.m. followed by a question-and-answer session. Questions will be accepted both in advance and at the meetings. To submit your questions in advance, email [email protected].
REQUEST A GORDIE HOWE INTERNATIONAL BRIDGE PRESENTATION
Would your organization or group like to learn more about this once-in-a-lifetime infrastructure project? The Gordie Howe International Bridge project team is available to present content virtually or in-person. Whether your organization is interested environmental concerns, sustainability, bridge construction, transportation, or exploring different career paths, the Gordie Howe International Bridge project has a component to fit your needs. Request a presentation on the Contact Us page of GordieHoweInternationalBridge.com.
PROGRESS ON PEDESTRIAN BRIDGES
Work on all five pedestrian bridges being reconstructed as part of the Michigan Interchange is underway with the majority of construction activity occurring this summer.
Solvay Street
Beard Street
Waterman Street
Junction Avenue
Lansing Street
SANDWICH STREET UPDATE
As part of the Gordie Howe International Bridge project, just over three kilometres of Sandwich Street will be reconstructed by Bridging North America (BNA). Sandwich Street reconstruction will stretch from south of the Rosedale Avenue roundabout past Ojibway Parkway to McKee Avenue. Once complete, the City of Windsor will be responsible for maintaining the street.
In addition to this work, $1 million will be invested by the project Community Benefits Plan to further enhance the Sandwich Business Improvement Area.
BNA is working with the City of Windsor and other partners to finalize design and schedule. Work is anticipated to begin later this year in a phased approach. Additional information will be shared once details are confirmed in advance of the project.