New CEO named to Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority
There’s a new face at the helm of the Gordie Howe International Bridge project.
Federal Infrastructure Minister Dominic LeBlanc announced the appointment of Charl van Niekerk to the position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA), the Crown corporation responsible for the delivery of the nearly $6-billion project.
"I am pleased to welcome Mr. van Niekerk as Chief Executive Officer of Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority,” LeBlanc said. “His leadership, knowledge, and expertise will be an asset in ensuring the successful completion of the Gordie Howe International Bridge project, which is vital to Canada's economic prosperity."
van Niekerk recently held the position of Executive Vice President – Transportation at Infrastructure Ontario. In that role, he oversaw overseeing the delivery of several complex provincial highway, subway, and rail projects, including the Rt. Hon. Herb Gray Parkway that connects to the Gordie Howe International Bridge.
He holds a Bachelor in Civil Engineering from the University of Pretoria and a Master in Business Leadership from the University of South Africa.
He will assume his new responsibilities starting July 25.
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 corridor.
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. WDBA works closely with the International Authority, which includes members from Michigan and Canada in support of the Crossing Agreement.
WDBA is led by the CEO and governed by a nine-member Board of Directors responsible for overseeing the business activities of WDBA, engagement with key stakeholders, as well as management and delivery of the project.
The Gordie Howe International Bridge project comprises multiple components, including what will be the longest cable stay bridge in North America; the largest Canadian Port of Entry along the Canada-United States border; a United States Port of Entry – one of the largest in North America; the Michigan Interstate 75 Interchange; and approach bridges on both sides of the border.
Once constructed, the bridge will provide an uninterrupted, highway-to-highway transportation route from Montreal to Mexico with direct connections between Ontario's Highway 401 and Michigan's Interstate 75.