Innovative Design/Build Approach: Ambassador Bridge Project

Abstract

The Ambassador Bridge, the busiest international crossing between the United States and Canada, is privately owned and operated, linking Detroit-Mich., with Windsor, Ontario. Since its inauguration in 1929, the bridge has not gone through any major upgrades or expansions. Due to many national and international developments (North American Free Trade Agreement) and significant increases in commercial traffic, the bridge required a major upgrade and expansion. The owners desired to complete the design and construction of a $3,000,000 truck-exit ramp within 12 months. The owners proposed a turnkey agreement that included several unique demands, such as 100 years of service life with 25 years of maintenance-free structure. Additionally, unique guarantees on costs and schedules, concealed conditions, and indemnifications were requested. The contract negotiated included many of the requested features that can be practically enforceable under the current professional practice, and construction liability laws and regulations. An independent business entity was utilized to address many of the owners' requirements, including hiring a construction company through a bidding process. The project was designed and built, according to state and federal standards, within the budget and the tight schedule of 12 months. The project was subsequently expanded under the same design/build contract to include an additional two phases at the cost of $8,500,000. The owners and consultants received many accolades and awards from civic and professional groups, including ASCE.