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Gordie Howe Bridge Opens to Traffic Between Detroit and Windsor

A new six-lane crossing that could speed cross-border trade and boost local businesses raises diplomatic and oversight questions over recent U.S. tariffs and a contested revenue-sharing deal

A Canadian flag is displayed during a Canadian celebration marking the Gordie Howe International Bridge, which connects Detroit and Windsor, Ontario, on Friday, July 24, 2026, in Windsor, Ontario.. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Gregor Robertson, Canadian Minister of Housing and Infrastructure gives thumbs up during a Canadian celebration for the Gordie Howe International bridge connecting Detroit and Windsor, Ontario Friday, July 24, 2026, in Windsor. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
A truck is parked during a Canadian celebration marking the Gordie Howe International Bridge, which connects Detroit and Windsor, Ontario, on Friday, July 24, 2026, in Windsor, Ontario.(AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
The Gordie Howe International bridge connects Detroit and Windsor, Ontario is shown Friday, July 24, 2026, in Windsor. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Overview

  • The Gordie Howe International Bridge began carrying vehicles at 12 p.m. on Monday, July 27, with Michigan State Police and border agencies managing traffic and inspections on the new highway-to-highway crossing.
  • A toll-free pedestrian and bicycle multi-use path will open on Aug. 5, while published tolls for drivers are in effect now at $5.75 USD ($8 CAD) for standard passenger vehicles and $8.75 USD ($12 CAD) per axle for large commercial vehicles.
  • Canada provided nearly all of the roughly CAD$6.4 billion project cost, and Michigan will receive a share of revenues only after Canada recovers construction expenses, a process officials expect to take decades.
  • A mid-July agreement channels half of certain net toll revenues into a U.S.-linked 15-year economic fund, and President Trump’s recent 50% tariff announcement on Canadian goods has led to U.S. officials skipping the Canadian ribbon-cutting and prompted calls for more transparency and oversight.
  • Local businesses and transport officials say the bridge, which links I-75 to Ontario’s Highway 401 and offers additional commercial lanes and inspection capacity, should ease congestion from the Ambassador Bridge, speed freight flows, and boost jobs and cross-border visits.