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Why Is There A Tree In the Middle of Detroit’s Gordie Howe Bridge?

Author Jim O'Brien
Workers installing the final piece connecting the two sides of the Gordie Howe Bridge between Detroit and Windsor.

We’ve all watched the progress on the Gordie Howe Bridge over the past couple of years – and now the United States and Canadian sides are connected, with the project on track to finish in September of next year. It’s been amazing to watch this happen here in the Motor City (and Canada) – but we’ve got a question:

But what’s up with the tree on the Gordie Howe Bridge? 

We were checking the amazing photos from June 15th and noticed a tree in the middle of the bridge. Why? It’s a very cool tradition between Ironworkers. 

A large group of construction workers in safety gear stand together on the deck of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, marking a milestone in the bridge's construction. The Detroit River and industrial areas can be seen in the background.
Gordie Howe International Bridge Project
The Gordie Howe International Bridge crew posing with the symbolic tree in the middle between US and Canada.

It’s called “Topping Out,” dating back over 1,000 years. Topping out symbolizes a connection, and the evergreen tree indicates that a job has been done well. It’s a cherished custom that Ironworkers say brings “good luck”. More than 200 ironworkers and operating engineers from Canada and the US were on the deck for the ceremony, where an evergreen tree was placed on a redundancy girder alongside flags representing Ironworkers 700 and Ironworkers Local 25 unions.

A group of ironworkers stand on the final steel beam, which is signed and decorated with flags and a small tree, ready to be placed on the Gordie Howe International Bridge. The Detroit River and skyline provide a scenic backdrop.
Gordie Howe International Bridge Project
Iron Workers 25 is holding up the symbolic tree on the final piece, connecting the two sides of the Gordie Howe Bridge between Detroit and Windsor.

The six-lane structure across our beloved Detroit River (which will have paths for cyclists and pedestrians, by the way) will be the longest cable-stayed bridge in North America at almost 2,800 feet (technically, it’s 2,798 feet). If you include the ports of entry and approach structures, we’re talking a mile and a half total. 

Great idea for the Gordie Howe Bridge 

The recent Detroit News article referred to a question about the international border being referred to as the “blue line” in honor of Gordie and the Red Wings (hockey reference if you don’t know). This is a GREAT idea and ties into the celebration of Mr. Hockey’s 25 seasons with the Detroit Red Wings. Maybe if you get pulled over at the border, they put you in a “penalty box”? Can commercial vehicles use the “Production Line” to cross over? 

Ironworkers from Local 25 celebrate on the Gordie Howe International Bridge during a topping-out ceremony. The image captures the workers proudly holding their flag on a steel beam, surrounded by signatures, with the Detroit River and city skyline in the background. Safety gear and harnesses highlight the meticulous attention to safety protocols during this milestone in the bridge's construction.
Gordie Howe International Bridge Project
Iron Workers 25 is holding up the symbolic tree on the final piece, connecting the two sides of the Gordie Howe Bridge between Detroit and Windsor.

The bottom line is that the Gordie Howe Bridge is beautiful, and we can’t wait to see it completed next September. Maybe they should leave a couple of branches from the tree for luck.

Jim O'Brien is the Host of "Big Jim's House" Morning Show at 94.7 WCSX in Detroit. Jim spent eight years in the U.S. Naval Submarine Service, has appeared on Shark Tank (Man Medals Season 5 Ep. 2), raised over two million dollars for local charities and is responsible for Glenn Frey Drive and Bob Seger Blvd in the Motor City. Jim's relationship with Classic Rock includes considering Bob Seger, Phil Collen from Def Leppard, Wally Palmer of the Romantics and many others good friends. Jim writes about ‘80s movies, cars, weird food trends and “as seen on TikTok” content.

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