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13h ago

Gordie Howe Bridge Opens Toll-Free Path for Pedestrians and Cyclists

The new 2.5‑kilometre route reconnects Windsor and Detroit for walkers and cyclists under strict border checks and initial crowd limits.

Justin Bellemore of Windsor camps out at the entrance to the Gordie Howe International Bridge multi-use path on Tuesday, August 4, 2026. Bellemore arrived more than 24 hours before the official opening of the path.
The Gordie Howe International Bridge between Windsor, Ont., and Detroit opened to motorists last week.
Pedestrians and cyclists begin crossing the Gordie Howe International Bridge as the bridge's multi-use path opens Aug. 5, 2026.
Justin Bellemore of Windsor camps out at the entrance to the Gordie Howe International Bridge multi-use path on Tuesday, August 4, 2026. Bellemore arrived more than 24 hours before the official opening of the path.

Overview

  • The Windsor‑Detroit Bridge Authority opened the multi‑use path at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 5, allowing free pedestrian and bicycle crossings across the 2.5‑kilometre span.
  • All users must carry valid cross‑border travel documents and submit to inspections by the Canada Border Services Agency and U.S. Customs and Border Protection before leaving either country.
  • WDBA is limiting how many people may be on the path at once during the first days, has set summer hours from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. with last entry at 7 p.m., and has temporarily banned pedal‑assist e‑bikes for the opening weeks to manage safety and processing.
  • Turnout was strong on opening morning, with dozens to more than 100 people lining up and a Windsor resident, Justin Bellemore, camping out to be among the first to cycle across; officials provided porta‑potties, staffing and merchandise at the entrances.
  • The pedestrian opening comes after the bridge began vehicle service on July 27 and follows a July revenue‑sharing agreement that resolved prior U.S. objections and leaves the project, built for roughly C$6.4 billion, under continuing political and financial scrutiny.