The Gordie Howe International Bridge project has a new chair.

Federal Infrastructure Minister Dominic LeBlanc announced on December 6 that former Ontario Member of Provincial Parliament Tim Murphy will take over the role of chair of the board of Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA) from outgoing chair Dwight Duncan.

An experienced infrastructure lawyer and company director, Murphy has spent the last six years serving as part of the executive leadership team of McMillan LLP. He also served as Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister of Canada and served in Queen’s Park from 1993 to 1995.

Murphy also has deep experience working with infrastructure projects, having advised on more than 100 of them to various clients. He is also a recognized leader in Canada's P3 community and author of numerous articles and textbooks on public private partnerships.

He currently serves as Chair of the Board of Toronto Community Housing Corporation and as a director of Morguard REIT and Soulpepper Theatre.

"As one of Canada's foremost experts on infrastructure law and with decades of experience in government, Mr. Murphy will be able to leverage his considerable experience to propel the Gordie Howe International Bridge project forward to its successful completion,” said LeBlanc. “I look forward to working closely with him in the coming years."

The Gordie Howe International Bridge will support economic growth by improving connections between Canada and the U.S. and enabling the continuous flow of people and goods through a safe, secure and efficient Windsor-Detroit trade corridor.

The 2.5-kilometre bridge will ensure direct connectivity with existing highway networks on both sides of the border and will have enhanced border infrastructure to help move goods and travelers quickly and efficiently while ensuring safety and security.

Once complete, it will be among the five longest bridges in North America.

The project is being delivered through a public-private partnership by WDBA, a not-for-profit Canadian Crown corporation. WDBA is responsible for overseeing and managing the construction and operation of the new crossing. It is also responsible for project oversight of the construction and the operation of the new crossing. WDBA works closely with the International Authority that includes members from Michigan and Canada in support of the Crossing Agreement.

"I am pleased to accept this nomination as Chairperson of Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority,” Murphy said. “The Gordie Howe International Bridge project spans one of North America's busiest trade corridors and is a testament to the highly integrated nature of the Canada-U.S. economy. I look forward to working with the entire team at WDBA to ensure the successful delivery of this critical piece of infrastructure.”