A new study prepared by the University of Windsor’s Cross-Border Institute suggests that Windsor and Detroit could both realize huge economic benefits from the creation of a transportation, distribution and logistics cluster around the Gordie Howe International Bridge.

The proposed cluster could consist of truck yards, facilities where containers can be transferred between trucks and rail, climate-controlled warehouses with on-site inspection areas for agricultural goods and pharmaceuticals, truck stops, customs brokers, and other firms involved in the movement and storage of goods. Its creation would complement the already-significant gains both regions stand to realize with the completion of the bridge.

The study also suggests a new international agency should be created to make sure the cluster grows in a coordinated fashion on both sides of the Detroit River, with appropriate land use and servicing, environment assessments and community consultation.

"Our study is focused on the permanent economic benefits that will arise due to improved cross-border transportation services that the new bridge will provide once it's open," said Bill Anderson, director of the Cross-Border Institute. "Based on our background research and consultations with numerous industry players, we have concluded that the transportation, distribution and logistics sector presents the most significant and attainable opportunities for the development of new economic activities or expansion of existing activities stimulated by the new bridge." 

The Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority commissioned the 68-page study to look into how the region could best position itself to benefit from the bridge after it's constructed.

"Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority is committed to the region's economic success," said CEO Bryce Phillips. "The Cross-Border Institute's Economic Impacts and Opportunities Study is an example of WDBA working with regional educational institutions such as the University of Windsor and Michigan State University, businesses and community groups to help realize the regional economic and community development opportunities stemming from the Government of Canada's investment in the Gordie Howe International Bridge project."

Canada and the U.S. have the second-largest bilateral trade relationship on the globe, exceeded only by the trade flows between the U.S. and China. Manufactured goods, crossing mainly in trucks, account for more than half of the cross-border shipments of both countries. A large share of manufacturing trade is in materials and parts that move between factories on both sides of the border. By far the largest crossing point for this trade is through the Windsor-Detroit corridor. 

The Gordie Howe International Bridge, with an estimated completion date in 2024, will provide a direct, freeway-to-freeway connection from Highway 401 via the Rt. Hon. Herb Gray Parkway to U.S. Interstate I-75. The entire route will employ the latest intelligent transportation systems, logistics, and security technology and is designed to accommodate future technological advances.

The study estimates the new route will save about 850,000 hours per year for trucks, translating into billions of dollars in savings over the bridge's lifetime.