A monumental feat of engineering and international cooperation is closing in on completion at the Canada–U.S. border between Ontario and Michigan as construction continues for the $6.4 billion Gordie Howe International Bridge.

The new crossing over the Detroit River drew major attention this past summer when the two sides of the bridge were joined, and the structure officially claimed the title of the longest clear span of any cable-stayed bridge in North America, with a record length of 853 metres or 0.53 miles.

But after over six years of construction and the completion of many milestones along the way, there's still plenty left to do before the bridge can open to international traffic in September 2025.

The project team shared the latest update on the bridge's push for completion on Monday, revealing that one of the key steps in the preparation for its opening is now in progress.

According to the Monday update, crews have begun to pave the bridge deck using a latex-modified concrete with added elasticity that is perfect for structures like these.

This specialized concrete will be poured to a thickness of 50 mm or just shy of two inches, and will eventually support thousands of motorists, pedestrians and cyclists each day.

👷‍♂️We’ve started to pave the bridge deck. Composed of a latex modified concrete, this overlay is 50 mm/1.97 inches thick. Curious what other work needs to take place before the first vehicles can cross the #GordieHoweBridge next fall? Check out our website: https://t.co/kPE8A9RY2N pic.twitter.com/LLm9Zl6dt8

— Gordie Howe International Bridge (@GordieHoweBrg) October 7, 2024

The pouring of the road deck's concrete surface is just one of the critical steps remaining in the bridge's race to its scheduled opening, now just eleven months away.

Before the first vehicles can cross the structure next fall, crews must first complete the installation of electrical systems, including roadway, pedestrian and navigational lighting. This component of work also includes instrumentation systems, a weather station, fire and security systems, and other high-tech features.

According to the bridge team, power cables and support infrastructure for these components is currently being installed.

Another aspect of construction that must be completed prior to the bridge's opening next year is the drainage system, which includes 332 scuppers spaced every ten metres to allow stormwater to flow away from the road deck and into underground drainage structures at either end of the bridge for treatment and subsequent release into the river.

Crews must also complete pressure testing of the bridge's semi-automatic dry standpipe fire suppression system, which features fire pumps installed in a weather-protected enclosure and stainless-steel dry pipes, fire hydrants and electrically-actuated valves.

Aside from the bridge's approach ramps now taking shape on both the U.S. and Canadian sides, one of the final aspects of construction will be the installation of a falcon nesting box.

This peregrine falcon nesting area, which will be located below the bridge deck and feature a remote-operated camera and access platform, is expected to be added to the bridge in 2025.