The distance between Detroit and Windsor, Ontario, is only about two miles, but the delivery trucks that cross the Detroit River carry roughly one-third of all the trade between the U.S. and Canada.

Now, for the first time in 60 years, there's a new crossing, and it's being constructed in part by IBEW members from both countries.

"The construction of this international bridge is a powerful symbol of the unity and collaboration that are at the heart of the IBEW," Sixth District International Vice President Michael Clemmons said. "This project demonstrates how the IBEW seamlessly integrates talent from both sides of the border, proving that when we come together, we can connect and strengthen our communities."

Construction started in 2018 on the Gordie Howe International Bridge, adding a third border crossing to the major trade hub. The project also includes construction of ports of entry on both the U.S. and Canadian sides and a revamping of Interstate 75 in Detroit to provide a new connection to the bridge. Valued at nearly $5 billion, it's the largest and most ambitious binational infrastructure project along the Canada-United States border.

"The size of this project is fantastic," Detroit Local 58 Business Representative Byron Osbern said. "Years of planning and preparation have led us this far, and now it's time for our members to bring this to completion. This is another feather in the cap for the IBEW."

Roughly 400 members from Local 58 and Windsor Local 773 have worked on all components of the project so far, laying miles of conduit, sometimes at heights of more than 700 feet. Once complete, the 1.5-mile-long bridge, named after the famed Detroit Red Wings hockey player and designed to resemble to a hockey stick, will be the longest cable-stayed bridge in North America.

"It's always great to be part of a legacy project like this," Local 773 Business Manager Karl Lovett said. "I'm almost positive that none of the current members of Local 773 will ever get this opportunity again in our area. And I told them there will be no labor disruptions on this significant project. We will keep working while I manage any issues that might arise."

Once construction is completed next fall, the bridge will carry six lanes of traffic and include a multi-use path, as well as Indigenous art on the Canadian side and a peregrine falcon nesting box. But before all that can happen, IBEW members will be hard at work continuing to install miles of fire-rated fiberglass conduit, emergency power and other safety systems, communications and thousands of lights.

All 216 of the bridge's cable stays will light up with decorative and functional lighting. Lighting on the roadway and pedestrian portion of the bridge is designed to be noninvasive because of environmental concerns, especially the potential disruption of migratory bird routes. An it's all being done hundreds of feet over the water.

"It's not a job to be afraid of heights, that's for sure," said Local 773 member Jason Guignard, who's worked as a general foreman on the project.

There's also the state-of-the-art security systems for technology like X-rays and the latest in vehicle scanning, some of which involved working with government entities like the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

"A project of this magnitude requires a workforce that is highly skilled, competent and adaptable to change," First District International Vice President Russ Shewchuk said. "It's the big leagues, and decision makers at this level seek professionals with a strong reputation who can get the job done properly and safely. Alongside our partner contractors, the IBEW offers the full package."

The degree of difficulty at this level means this work can't be done by nonunion workers, Guignard and Osbern said.

"The nonunion side simply doesn't have the capacity, skills or knowledge for something like this," Osbern said. "But we're always here to teach them."

Working on a bridge provides a number of unique circumstances, like the weeks spent suspending the roadway over the Detroit River with the Coast Guard and an aquatic emergency medical services team on standby "just in case," Osbern said.

Once the two sides of the bridge were connected in July, all workers needed to provide their passports or other identification to enter the site.

"We're not allowed to touch Canadian soil by exiting the bridge or vice versa," Osbern said. "Tools and materials can be lifted up to us, but there is strict observation of what comes off the bridge and work areas."

There's also the sheer size of the project, which includes construction of the ports of entry on both sides of the bridge. The Canadian port of entry is being built on a 130-acre site, making it the largest Canadian port on the U.S.-Canada border. The U.S. port of entry is being developed on a 167-acre site and will be one of the largest border facilities in North America.

"It's a huge space. It's not just one area," Guignard said. "This is not like your typical job."

Despite the logistical challenges, IBEW members on both sides are proud to be working on the project, Guignard and Osbern said.

"Everyone's excited to be a part of this project," Guignard said. "There's a lot of union pride."

A beam at the bridge's midpoint bears the signatures of tradespeople who have worked on it. And for IBEW members, there's a Local 58-Local 773 pin to commemorate the project.

"The pin has become a coveted collector's item," Osbern said. "Teaming up with our brothers and sisters from Windsor 773 makes us proud, and the pin is another way to cultivate that feeling of friendship between our locals."

Another point of pride will go to whoever gets to install the beacon light at the tops of the towers, which stand more than 700 feet tall.

"A lot of guys are hoping to get that," Guignard said. "It's going to be a pretty iconic moment."

The bridge, which can be seen from the Local 58 hall and has an expected lifespan of 125 years, holds a lot of significance for the men and women who have been working for years to make it a reality.

"It's truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience to work on something this historic," said Local 58 member Garland Bryant, who's also a steward on the project. "With something like this, your kids and grandkids will be able to tell people, 'I have a family member who worked on that.'"