rendering of bridge and plazaThe Cross-Border Institute will partner with the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority to study the economic impact of the new crossing.

UWindsor researchers to study economic impact of new border crossing

The University of Windsor’s Cross-Border Institute will partner with the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority and Michigan State University’s Canadian Studies Center on a study of the economic impact and opportunities presented by the Gordie Howe International Bridge project.

The bi-national infrastructure project includes four components — the Canadian and U.S. ports of entry, the bridge over the Detroit River between Windsor and Detroit, and an interchange connecting to Interstate-75.

The study will be conducted in three phases and will identify and quantify the economic benefits arising from the construction of the new bridge as well as the opportunities for economic development once it is in service.

UWindsor president Alan Wildeman said the partnership was a natural fit.

“The University’s Cross-Border Institute has the expertise and deep knowledge of border issues and supply chains to make an important contribution to the study,” he said. “The new crossing will have a tremendous impact on both sides of the border, and the study will go a long way to ensuring all economic benefits are identified.”

The Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority is a not-for-profit Canadian Crown corporation created to manage the procurement process for the design, construction, financing, operation and maintenance of the new bridge through a public-private partnership.