- Six-lane crossing set to ease commercial traffic between Detroit and Windsor after years of construction
DETROIT: Traffic is set to begin crossing the newly completed Gordie Howe International Bridge on Monday, opening a major new transportation link between the United States and Canada and expected to facilitate trade, employment and tourism between the two countries.
Canada marked the completion of the multibillion-dollar project last week with a ribbon-cutting ceremony in Windsor, Ontario. However, US and Michigan representatives were uninvited from the event after President Donald Trump announced a 50 percent tariff on Canadian goods entering the United States.
Named after Canadian hockey legend Gordie Howe, the bridge honors the celebrated player known as “Mr. Hockey,” who wore No. 9 during his illustrious career with the NHL’s Detroit Red Wings. Howe died in 2016.
The new crossing is expected to play a significant role in bilateral commerce. More than 70 percent of Canada’s exports are destined for the United States, while Detroit remains the busiest US port for truck traffic along the US-Canada border, according to the US Department of Transportation.
For almost a century, the privately owned Ambassador Bridge was the only crossing in the Detroit area capable of handling large commercial trucks between the two countries. Businesses are expected to benefit from the new six-lane bridge, which officials say will provide a faster and more efficient alternative.
The Gordie Howe bridge stretches approximately 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) across the Detroit River and rises about 151 feet (46 meters) above the water at its highest point. Pedestrians and cyclists with proper identification will be able to use the crossing free of charge in the coming weeks.
Construction began in 2018 but faced delays, including disruptions associated with the global COVID-19 pandemic.
Canada financed the bridge’s construction at an estimated cost of $6.4 billion. Under a recent agreement, Canada will share a portion of toll revenues with the US government for 15 years.
President Trump highlighted the agreement in a social media post during the Windsor ceremony, saying his administration had secured revised terms for the United States.
Michigan will also eventually receive a share of the toll revenue, although payments are not expected to begin until Canada recovers its construction costs—a process that could take decades.
The opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge marks a major expansion of cross-border infrastructure and is expected to provide additional capacity for one of the world’s most important bilateral trading relationships.
BY: The Times Union
