Building Bridges - The Fasken role in the creation of the Gordie Howe International Bridge

TORONTO, Oct. 23, 2018 /CNW Telbec/ - The Gordie Howe International Bridge has now financially closed. Fasken lawyers who served as lead counsel say the project was complex and rewarding. This new state of the art, environmentally friendly, cable-stayed bridge will be one of the largest public infrastructure projects in North America.

"By 2024 all six lanes of the bridge will be up and running, which will end a long-time bottle-neck on the busiest border crossing between Canada and the US" said Brian Kelsall, who led the project with Tom Barlow, both Fasken partners with leading expertise in infrastructure and public-private partnerships. "We are pleased to have had a role on such an historic project and would like to congratulate our clients and everyone involved," said Barlow.

Fasken advised the Government of Canada and Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority ("WDBA") on the project which consisted of the design, build, maintenance and financing of the project on a public-private partnership basis. This C$5.7 billion project also includes two port of entry facilities on each side of the border and the design, construction and finance of an interchange with Highway I-75 in Michigan. A fixed-priced contract with Bridging North America was signed and ground has now been broken to get construction underway.

"The scope, breadth and complexity of this project is significant," said Peter Feldberg, Firm Managing Partner. "It was a privilege for our Firm to be part of something that will have such a huge economic impact in the future."

Named after Gordie Howe, a Canadian hockey legend who played for the Detroit Red Wings, the bridge is to serve as a symbol of good will between Canada and the US. Funded initially by the Canadian government, it is expected that tolls will ultimately pay for the bridge.

Fasken's award-winning Infrastructure and Public-Private Partnerships Group is at the leading edge of industry developments across the world. Having represented the Canadian government and WDBA on this significant deal illustrates the strength of our team.

About Fasken

Fasken is a leading international law firm with more than 700 lawyers and 10 offices on four continents. Clients rely on us for practical, innovative and cost-effective legal services. We solve the most complex business and litigation challenges, providing exceptional value and putting clients at the centre of all we do. For additional information, please visit the Firm's website at fasken.com.

SOURCE Fasken