Latex-Modified Concrete Reinforces the Future of Bridge Engineering
The construction of the Gordie Howe International Bridge marks a defining moment in North American infrastructure.
Stretching 1.5 miles across the Detroit River to connect Detroit, Michigan, with Windsor, Ontario, this monumental project isn’t merely about creating another crossing—it’s about engineering excellence and cross-border progress.
At the heart of this ambitious endeavour is Trinseo’s Modifier A™/NA latex admixture, a cutting-edge solution redefining concrete durability and performance.
Engineering Resilience Through Latex-Modified Concrete
Every major infrastructure project faces one unyielding test: time. Bridges, exposed to extreme temperature fluctuations, traffic vibrations, and de-icing chemicals, demand materials that can endure it all. The Gordie Howe International Bridge project team knew conventional concrete wouldn’t suffice. Enter Latex-Modified Concrete (LMC), a composite that delivers superior bonding strength, flexibility, and crack resistance.
Developed using Trinseo’s Modifier A™/NA latex, this LMC blend enhances both the performance and lifespan of the bridge deck. The latex admixture improves hydration, reduces permeability, and prevents chloride intrusion, making it ideal for projects requiring long-term resilience.
“The Gordie Howe International Bridge is a once-in-a-lifetime project, and we are honoured to contribute to its success,” said Chuck Fifelski, Senior Technical Service Specialist, R&D, Trinseo. “Trinseo’s Modifier A™/NA latex was the perfect solution to meet the project’s rigorous performance criteria, providing enhanced bonding strength and flexibility, while ensuring the durability of the bridge deck over its expected 30+ year lifespan.”
Building for Decades, Not Years
Infrastructure is an investment meant to last generations, and the Gordie Howe Bridge’s designers made longevity a central goal. The bridge deck’s LMC overlay promises an impressive service life exceeding 30 years, far surpassing conventional concrete systems that often require major rehabilitation within two decades. This translates to lower maintenance costs and reduced environmental impact—an outcome aligned with the sustainability targets of both the US and Canadian governments.
The latex-modified overlay mitigates shrinkage cracking, one of the most common failure points in traditional concrete structures. This not only preserves the bridge’s structural integrity but also maintains surface smoothness and ride quality for decades of daily cross-border travel.
Collaboration Driving Innovation
Trinseo’s partnership with Modified Concrete Suppliers (MCS) brought the Gordie Howe Bridge’s concrete technology to life. MCS, a leading specialist in on-site LMC production and application, played a pivotal role in executing the overlay with precision. Their expertise ensured that the modified concrete met every performance specification of this high-stakes international project.
“Partnering with Trinseo has been instrumental to our success in the Gordie Howe International Bridge project,” said Caleb Austel, President of Modified Concrete Suppliers. “The technical expertise and high-performance materials provided by Trinseo were essential in achieving the extraordinary strength and durability demanded by this bridge. With Modifier A™/NA latex, we are confident that the bridge will stand the test of time, minimising maintenance needs and delivering substantial long-term cost savings.”
This collaboration underscores how innovation in materials science and practical field expertise can combine to deliver next-generation results. Over 4,500 cubic yards of latex-modified concrete were applied, representing one of the largest LMC applications for a bridge deck in recent US-Canadian history.
How Latex-Modified Concrete Works
LMC is created by incorporating a latex polymer into a standard concrete mix, which acts as a bonding agent and flexibility enhancer. The result is a denser, more resilient material that resists water infiltration, chloride penetration, and freeze-thaw cycles. In bridges, this translates to:
- Reduced cracking and delamination.
- Enhanced tensile and flexural strength.
- Longer service life and fewer interventions.
Because it forms a waterproof layer, LMC also helps shield reinforcing steel from corrosion—a primary cause of premature bridge deck failure.
A New Era of Materials Engineering
Beyond its immediate contribution to the Gordie Howe International Bridge, Trinseo’s Modifier A™/NA latex is setting a new benchmark in infrastructure materials. The company’s focus on innovation and sustainability has earned it a strong reputation in industries ranging from mobility and construction to medical and consumer goods.
Trinseo’s global operations, spanning North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific, employ approximately 3,400 people who share a mission to make materials smarter, stronger, and more sustainable. In 2022, the company reported net sales of around US$5 billion, reflecting its broad portfolio and deep engagement across industries.
The company’s approach combines chemistry, creativity, and collaboration, providing clients with tailored solutions for unique performance challenges. For bridge construction, this means ensuring every material not only meets today’s engineering standards but anticipates tomorrow’s environmental and economic demands.
A Legacy of Expertise
With more than five decades of experience, Modified Concrete Suppliers has become a trusted partner for transportation agencies and contractors across the United States. The company’s mobile LMC production units enable high-quality concrete to be mixed and applied on-site, guaranteeing consistency and reliability.
Operating from Indianapolis and Pittsburgh, MCS serves 32 states and has built a reputation for excellence in large-scale bridge deck overlays. Their contribution to the Gordie Howe project showcases the value of experienced contractors who understand both the chemistry and the craftsmanship required for modern infrastructure.
Sustainable Infrastructure for the Future
As the world races to modernise its infrastructure networks, projects like the Gordie Howe International Bridge demonstrate the power of innovation in materials science to deliver both performance and sustainability. LMC not only extends the structural lifespan but also reduces the frequency of costly repairs, conserving both financial and natural resources.
The bridge’s completion, expected in Autumn 2025, will create a new gateway between the United States and Canada—boosting trade, travel, and economic development. More importantly, it will stand as a testament to what’s possible when advanced materials meet visionary engineering.
Building Bridges that Last Generations
Latex-Modified Concrete is more than a technological upgrade—it’s a symbol of progress in infrastructure resilience.
Through collaboration, innovation, and precision engineering, Trinseo and Modified Concrete Suppliers have proven that the future of bridge construction lies in materials designed not just to last, but to lead.
