Gordie Howe Bridge Opens, Expanding Canada-U.S. Border Acces

The Gordie Howe International Bridge opened to traffic on July 27, giving travellers and commercial carriers a third route across the Detroit River between Windsor, Ontario, and Detroit, Michigan.

The new crossing joins the Ambassador Bridge and the Windsor-Detroit Tunnel in one of North America’s busiest border corridors. Officials expect it to reduce pressure on existing routes, where drivers can face long delays during busy travel and shipping periods.

It also gives tourists and daily commuters another choice when congestion builds at the older crossings.

A New Route for Travellers and Trade

The bridge operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Cars, motorcycles, recreational vehicles, commercial trucks and oversized vehicles can use the crossing.

The Canadian port of entry includes dedicated lanes for NEXUS members and FAST-approved commercial carriers. The Canada Border Services Agency said the facility has 24 primary inspection lanes that can be adjusted to serve passenger or commercial traffic as demand changes.

CBSA described the site as “Canada’s newest, largest and most technologically advanced land border crossing.” The agency said the Windsor-Detroit corridor carries about 30 per cent of Canada-U.S. trade moved by truck, with more than $274 million in goods passing through the gateway each day.

Walking and Cycling Access Coming

Pedestrians and cyclists will be able to use a separate, toll-free multi-use path beginning August 5. It will be the first Windsor-Detroit border crossing open to people travelling without a motor vehicle.

Users of the path will still need valid documents to cross the international border. Motorists and commercial drivers must also carry the travel and customs documents required for entry into either country.

Tolls Set for Different Vehicles

The standard toll for a personal vehicle is $8 CAD, or $5.75 USD, for each crossing. Large passenger vehicles, commercial trucks and oversized vehicles will pay $12 CAD, or $8.75 USD, per axle.

The bridge also offers discounted tolls through its Breakaway account program. The multi-use path will remain free for walkers and cyclists.

Years of Planning and Negotiation

The opening follows more than two decades of planning and co-operation involving Canadian and American governments and agencies. Canada funded the project, while the bridge is jointly owned by the Canadian government and the State of Michigan.

A previously planned June 12 opening was delayed during disagreements over toll revenue and related operating arrangements. A Canadian inauguration ceremony took place on July 24 without U.S. officials as wider trade tensions continued between the two countries.

The six-lane bridge creates a direct highway connection between Ontario’s Highway 401 and Michigan’s Interstate 75. Authorities say the route should improve the reliability of cross-border travel and strengthen supply chains serving manufacturers and other businesses.

The bridge is named after Canadian hockey legend Gordie Howe, whose career was closely connected to Detroit through his years with the Red Wings.

Travellers can check current border wait times online before leaving. With the new port now operating, Canada has 118 land border ports of entry, including three in the Windsor area.