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WINDSOR, July 28 2026 — One of North America’s most significant infrastructure projects is finally ready to welcome traffic.
The Gordie Howe International Bridge, connecting Windsor, Ontario, and Detroit, Michigan, officially opened to the public yesterday, on July 27, creating a faster, more efficient crossing at the busiest commercial land border between Canada and the United States.
Members of Gordie Howe’s family will have the honour of becoming the first people to officially cross the bridge named after the legendary Canadian hockey icon, paying tribute to one of the greatest players in NHL history and a proud son of nearby Saskatchewan whose career made him a household name on both sides of the border.
Every day, hundreds of millions of dollars in goods move through the Windsor-Detroit corridor, making it the busiest international land border crossing in North America. The new bridge is expected to strengthen that vital trade link while improving travel for commuters, tourists and commercial traffic.
More than a decade in the making, the six-lane cable-stayed bridge spans the Detroit River between Windsor and Detroit. Its 853-metre main span is the longest of its kind in North America, and the entire crossing stretches approximately 2.5 kilometres.
The project also includes state-of-the-art ports of entry on both sides of the border, featuring advanced screening and border management technology designed to speed up the movement of people and goods while maintaining high security standards.
Government officials say the bridge will strengthen North American supply chains, support manufacturing and generate billions of dollars in economic activity over the coming decades.
“After years of planning, partnership, and construction, the Gordie Howe International Bridge will soon be opening – providing a new connection for the region, while strengthening one of the world’s most important trade corridors,” said Gregor Robertson, Canada’s Minister of Housing and Infrastructure. “This nation-building project is a testament to what Canada can accomplish when we come together with a shared vision.”
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer called the bridge “a great deal” for the state, saying it will speed up auto production, reduce costs, improve traffic flow and create better-paying jobs on both sides of the border.
Alongside the opening, Canada and the United States have also announced a series of cooperative measures governing tolls and future investments in the region. The agreement includes the creation of a 15-year economic development fund that will receive a portion of profits generated by bridge operations. The Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority will also work with U.S. officials on future toll-rate adjustments.
Crossing Details
- Opening to vehicles: July 27, 2026
- Route: Connects Highway 401 in Windsor with Interstate 75 in Detroit.
- Passenger vehicle toll: $8 CAD ($5.75 USD)
- Commercial truck toll: $12 CAD ($8.75 USD) per axle
- Bridge configuration: Six traffic lanes, 16 toll lanes and 60 Canada-U.S. inspection lanes.
Walking and Cycling Across the Bridge
People looking to experience the crossing on foot or by bicycle won’t have to wait long.
The bridge’s 2.5-kilometre multi-use path will officially open on August 5, 2026, at 8 a.m. The 3.6-metre-wide pathway is free to use and will accommodate pedestrians and cyclists travelling between Canada and the United States.
With its combination of record-setting engineering, modern border facilities and increased capacity, the Gordie Howe International Bridge is expected to play a major role in cross-border trade and travel for generations to come.
