First look at new Gordie Howe International Bridge released

(WJBK) - The Windor Bridge Authority released a first look at the Gordie Howe International Bridge, which will connect the U.S. in Detroit to Windsor in Canada.

It will be the longest cable-stayed bridge in North America, which means it will have towers from which cables support the bridge deck. Its length will be 853 meters -- and the towers' will rival the height of the Renaissance Center. 

The Authority also named the winning bidder that will build and maintain the bridge. Bridging North America was chosen from the three teams of finalists. 

A final contract is expected to be signed this fall, so it's not known yet how much this will cost but estimates have ranged from $2 billion to $4 billion. 

Site work is set to begin on the Detroit side near the Delray area later this month. 

The new bridge is expected to be open to traffic by 2020. It will include 6 lanes of traffic, as well as a pedestrian and bike lane. It will also have an access point to I-75. 

The privately-owned Ambassador Bridge currently links Detroit and Windsor. Its owners are planning their own new span next to the existing bridge.