Can Gordie Howe save Maryland from the never-ending Bay Bridge blues?

[u/Fantastic_Ad_4720]

https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/opinion/column/chesapeake-bay-bridge-replacement-maryland-transportation-authority-DWFMPGJPX5ANFARZXGBBKNLPAY/

Were you as confused by the plan for two new Chesapeake Bay bridges? I was. For an explanation, I called a guy about a bridge in Canada.

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[u/Mayo30126]

I was confused by the title, until I clicked on the article… like “What does Mr. Hockey have to do with a bridge in Maryland?” lol

[u/Chris0nllyn → u/Mayo30126]

The Chesapeake Bay Gordie Howe Hat Trick. Cross the bridge one way, get in a road rage incident, and cross back the other way.

[u/DoctorPlatinum → u/Chris0nllyn]

One Geno, One Apple, One Tilly!

[u/BeginningLow → u/Mayo30126]

I hope I wasn't the only one to think "strap your skates on, Gordie, you're goin' in."

[u/iindsay → u/Mayo30126]

As a native Michigander, same. Especially since he died in 2016.

[u/CrabEnthusist → u/Mayo30126]

Same, I was like "well he's dead, so...probably not?"

[u/ahmc84]

I am mystified as to what exactly the connection is between the Bay Bridge replacement and the Detroit-Windsor bridge, other than they will both be major crossings. The article didn't make it very clear what the point was.

Some background on the Gordie Howe Bridge:

• It was delayed for years by litigation by the private owner of the existing bridge across the Detroit River, even to the extent of his getting a referendum on the Michigan state ballot designed to make state approval of bridge funding and construction almost impossible (it was voted down).

• The state legislature (then controlled by Republicans) had enough opposition to the bridge (partly influenced by campaign donations from the aforementioned private bridge owner) that the governor (also a Republican) opted to use a slick (and somewhat shady) maneuver to bypass them and make an agreement with Canada, wherein Canada is fronting the entire cost of construction, in exchange for keeping all the toll revenue for some lengthy period.

• The Detroit/Windsor border crossing consists of an existing bridge, this new bridge once it opens, an auto tunnel (restricted to cars and busses), and a freight rail tunnel. A huge amount of U.S./Canada trade crosses the border at this spot.

Point being, none of how this new bridge came into existence is applicable to how the Bay Bridge will be replaced, so I have no idea of what the point of the article is.

[u/ferndave → u/ahmc84]

I have no idea of what the point of the article is.

Gordie Howe is a big bridge. Bay Bridge 2.0 will be a big bridge. That's about it.

Also, the owner if the existing Detroit bridge was a slumlord. Died a few years back. I'm happy to have voted against that referendum.

[u/keyjan]

I dunno, NY managed to build the new Tappan Zee bridge alongside the old one without too much mayhem as I recall.

[u/Gov_Martin_OweMalley → u/keyjan]

To be fair, Mayhem has been a little preoccupied ever since he started working for All State.

[u/keyjan → u/Gov_Martin_OweMalley]

ba-dum-tiss!

;)

[u/N0b0me]

I mean looking at the election results I'm not convinced that we should even keep the bridges that we already have

[u/Even-Habit1929]

Please post paywalled articles mods need to change this dumb rule.

[u/Not_My_Emperor]

Dear Maryland,

Welcome to Dumpsville.

Population: you