The Walkable, Bikeable Gordie Howe International Bridge is Opening Soon. Here’s Everything You Need to Know.
Jake Newby
| 3 min read
Whether you’re a Michigander, Ontarian, frequent traveler or just someone interested in infrastructure, the Gordie Howe International Bridge is topical and worth learning about.
This new crossing between Detroit, Michigan and Windsor, Ontario isn’t just another way to get from point A to point B; it’s a game changer for trade, travel and even walking and biking across the international border. Here’s what to know.
What is the current status of the Gordie Howe Bridge?
The Gordie Howe Bridge has been in the works for years, but it’s finally set to open. Construction began in 2018, and crews have been pushing through major milestones ever since. The steel and concrete span stretching over the Detroit River is now physically complete and connected across the middle. Right now, loose ends in the form of lighting, paving and safety systems are being tied up.
Officials now expect the bridge to open to traffic in early 2026, according to the Detroit News. The project has experienced a few delays, but it’s now in the final stages of testing and prep before welcoming vehicles, walkers and cyclists.
Once open, the bridge will link Interstate-75 in Detroit directly to Highway 401 in Ontario, creating a modern and efficient route for both passenger vehicles and freight trucks, while helping ease congestion at older crossings like the Ambassador Bridge and Detroit–Windsor Tunnel.
Will the Gordie Howe Bridge have a toll?
Vehicles will pay a toll to use the Gordie Howe Bridge, just like other major international bridges. The tolls are part of how the bridge’s construction and future operations are financed, and they’ll be collected by the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority.
Canada funded the construction upfront and will recoup that investment through these tolls over time, as well as through availability and maintenance payments.
The specific toll rates haven’t been finalized publicly yet, but you can expect them to be competitive with other crossings in the region. For reference, nearby crossings like the Ambassador Bridge currently charge around $9 (United States dollars) for passenger cars and rates vary with vehicle type.
Will you be able to walk across the Gordie Howe Bridge?
One of the most exciting elements about the project is that pedestrians will be able to walk across the Gordie Howe Bridge. Cyclists will also be able to cross the U.S.–Canada border using a dedicated multi-use path on the Gordie Howe Bridge.
This path will be about 1.5 miles long – separated from vehicles by barriers – and designed to accommodate both two-way pedestrian and bicycle traffic.
And while anyone driving a vehicle over the bridge will have to pay a toll, the pedestrian/bike path is toll-free; non-motorized vehicle users rejoice!
This route will also link up with trail networks on both sides, including Detroit’s Iron Belle Trail and Windsor’s portion of the Trans Canada Trail. This makes it not just a crossing, but part of a larger active-transportation system. You will still need proper travel documents – such as a passport or NEXUS card, for example – to clear customs, just like any other border crossing.
Other potential benefits of the Gordie Howe Bridge
The Gordie Howe International Bridge is expected to serve many important functions, including:
- Improving trade flow between the U.S. and Canada.
- Providing modern safety features for all travelers.
- Reducing congestion at existing crossings.
- Supporting tourism and local communities with pedestrian and cycling access.
For anyone wishing they could walk or ride across the Detroit River into another country, this bridge will finally make that possible. If you live in the area, plan to visit or just appreciate ambitious engineering, keep your eyes peeled for a specific Gordie Howe Bridge 2026 opening date.
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Photo credit: Getty Images
