The new bridge connecting Canada to America in Detroit will borrow its name from an icon in both countries.
According to a report from Crain’s Detroit Business, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced the $2.1 billion bridge will be called the Gordie Howe International Bridge. Harper made the announcement in Windsor with Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder along with Howe and his sons Marty and Murray.
The bridge, which is expected to open in 2020, connects Windsor, Canada, with Detroit, where Howe played for the Red Wings from 1946 to 1971.
The project was officially announced near the end of February.
“Gordie Howe is a symbol of unparalleled success, longevity, civic generosity and international harmony, virtues we are confident the bridge will symbolize,” Snyder said. “‘Mr. Hockey’ is a universally respected ambassador for both Canada and Michigan. His home country and his adopted country are both so proud of Gordie Howe and our joint efforts on this bridge are representative of the teamwork he has always embodied.”
The bridge has been in the works since 2008 and has seen a series of other proposed names such as the New International Trade Crossing. The project was in doubt earlier for a while due to funding uncertainties on the American inspection plaza, but a deal was reached this year for the federal government to contribute $100 million for equipment and staff at the border.
