Tami Salisbury announced that Mark Gjokaj, Co-Owner and Chief Operating Officer ofSPEAKER
The New Gordie Howe International BridgeHeather Grondin, Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority
Rochester Rotary welcomed Heather Grondin, Chief Relations Officer for the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority, for an informative and entertaining look at the new Gordie Howe International Bridge. Grondin has 20 years of experience, specializing in strategic planning, communications, and engagement. Holding the executive position of Chief Relations Officer at Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority since 2015, Heather leads an integrated team of professionals who inform, inspire, and interact with others in support of the Bridge Authority and the Gordie Howe International Bridge project.
Grondin began by thanking the club for its warm welcome—and especially for its enthusiastic musical greeting. She joked that after hundreds of presentations, she had never before had a Rotary club sing a bridge song!
The need for the new bridge goes back more than 25 years. The Windsor-
Detroit Gateway is the busiest commercial land border crossing between Canada and the United States, carrying approximately 25% of the trade between the two countries. Following 9/11, concerns grew about having only one primary truck crossing between Detroit and Windsor, reinforcing the need for another crossing.
Detroit Gateway is the busiest commercial land border crossing between Canada and the United States, carrying approximately 25% of the trade between the two countries. Following 9/11, concerns grew about having only one primary truck crossing between Detroit and Windsor, reinforcing the need for another crossing.The Gordie Howe International Bridge addresses four major transportation goals: providing another crossing option, increasing capacity, improving border processing, and creating direct highway-to-highway connections. It is 
the first crossing in the region to connect directly from Michigan's interstate system to Ontario's highway system without traffic lights along the route.
the first crossing in the region to connect directly from Michigan's interstate system to Ontario's highway system without traffic lights along the route.And it is an impressive structure. The cable-stayed bridge stretches 1.5 miles from main span to main span, with a half-mile main span between its towers. That makes it the longest cable-stayed bridge main span in North America and the 10th longest in the world. Its towers rise approximately 720 feet, making them the second-highest structures in the Detroit region.
The bridge also features sophisticated technology designed to keep traffic moving safely and efficiently. 
The Canadian and U.S. ports of entry are among the largest along the entire Canada-U.S. border, with separate lanes and processing areas for passenger and commercial traffic.
The Canadian and U.S. ports of entry are among the largest along the entire Canada-U.S. border, with separate lanes and processing areas for passenger and commercial traffic.For motorists, tolls are collected on the Canadian side. Passenger vehicles currently pay $5.75 U.S., or $4.35 with a Breakaway account. The Breakaway electronic tolling system provides a 25% discount and allows travelers to move quickly through the toll lanes. Cash, credit, and debit cards are also accepted.
One of the most popular features is the toll-free, accessible multi-use path for pedestrians and cyclists. It officially opened August 5, welcoming approximately 3,400 people on its first day. The path offers spectacular views of Detroit and Windsor and connects with regional trail systems, including the Trans Canada Trail, Great Lakes Way, and Michigan's Iron Belle Trail. The round trip takes about 40 minutes on foot or 20 minutes by bicycle.
The project has also delivered significant community benefits. More than 23 million Canadian dollars have been invested in surrounding communities through programs supporting parks, trees, arts and culture, entrepreneurs, home repairs and food security. More than 15,000 people received training to work on the project, including more than 875 apprentices and pre-apprentices, while more than 290 Detroit- and Windsor-area businesses provided goods or services.
Grondin noted that the bridge is expected to handle 40% to 60% of the traffic currently using the Windsor-Detroit corridor, helping improve efficiency across the entire regional transportation network.
And why is it named for hockey legend Gordie Howe? According to Grondin, it isn't simply because he was "Mr. Hockey." Howe was known as a gentleman, a community advocate, and a generous ambassador for the region—qualities that make his name a fitting tribute on a bridge connecting two communities and two countries.
For Rotarians interested in seeing the bridge from a whole new perspective, Grondin's message was simple: Bring your passport or NEXUS card, grab your bike or walking shoes, and enjoy the view!