The official opening of construction for the Gordie Howe International Bridge in Windsor on October 5, 2018. Photo by Mark Brown/Blackburn News.The official opening of construction for the Gordie Howe International Bridge in Windsor on October 5, 2018. Photo by Mark Brown/Blackburn News.
Windsor

U of W study uncovers economic benefits of GHIB

A new cross-border study by the University of Windsor suggests that the border towns of Windsor and Detroit will reap multiple benefits, thanks to the Gordie Howe International Bridge. (GHIB)

The study, by the university's Cross-Border Institute, indicated that the two cities would benefit greatly by creating a cluster supporting distribution, transportation, and logistics. The study also called for an international agency to be established to oversee such an undertaking.

"Our study is focused on the permanent economic benefits that will arise due to improved cross-border transportation services that the new bridge will provide once it’s open," said Cross-Border Institute Director Bill Anderson. "Based on our background research and consultations with numerous industry players, we have concluded that the transportation, distribution, and logistics sector presents the most significant and attainable opportunities for the development of new economic activities or expansion of existing activities stimulated by the new bridge."

The cluster would include truck yards, climate-controlled warehouses with inspection capabilities, and businesses that promote the easy transport of a wide variety of goods. The proposed international agency would also be responsible for coordinating growth of these facilities in both Windsor and Detroit. Jobs would be available on both sides of the border.

The 68-page report was commissioned by the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA), which oversees the GHIB, with collaboration between U of W and Michigan State University.

"The unique opportunities identified in the study are just some of the ideas the business community and local agencies can capitalize on to benefit from this new border transportation system," said WDBA CEO Bryce Phillips in a media release. "We look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with our stakeholders on both sides of the border during the construction of the Gordie Howe International Bridge project and during the operations phase of the crossing."

The study also pointed out that the direct route created by the crossing would save 850,000 hours a year for commercial traffic. The route will cover a straight route from the Herb Gray Parkway in Windsor-Essex to I-75 in Detroit.

The complete report is available for review on the Cross-Border Institute's official website.

The GHIB is currently under construction with a projected completion date of 2024.

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