Canada has opened a third land border crossing at the Gordie Howe International Bridge, adding a 24‑hour, toll‑based port of entry between Windsor, Ontario and Detroit, Michigan.
The bridge, which spans the Detroit River, joins the existing Ambassador Bridge and the Windsor‑Detroit Tunnel as the newest crossing for automobiles, motorcycles, RVs, and semi‑trucks. It also includes a separate multi‑use path for pedestrians and cyclists that will open on 5 August, making it the first Windsor‑Detroit crossing available to non‑motorized traffic.
Bridge and Port Features
- Operating hours: 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- Vehicle lanes: Standard lanes plus express lanes for members of the Trusted Traveller Program (NEXUS) and qualifying commercial transporters (FAST).
- Multi‑use path: Toll‑free, dedicated to pedestrians and cyclists.
- Real‑time wait times: Available on the CBSA’s official port‑of‑entry webpage.
Tolls
- Passenger vehicles: CAD 8 (≈ USD 5.75).
- Large commercial trucks, oversized vehicles, and larger passenger vehicles: CAD 12 (≈ USD 8.75).
- Pedestrians and cyclists: No toll.
Ownership and Opening Timeline
- The bridge is jointly owned by the Canadian federal government and the State of Michigan.
- Planned opening for 12 June 2026 was delayed due to disputes over toll‑revenue treatment.
- A ceremonial opening took place on 24 July 2026, without U.S. officials in attendance.
- The bridge is named after Gordie Howe, the Canadian hockey legend who spent much of his career with the Detroit Red Wings.
Impact on Border Traffic
The Ambassador Bridge, one of North America’s busiest international crossings, can experience multi‑hour waits during peak periods. The new Gordie Howe crossing is intended to provide faster, more reliable cross‑border travel and reduce congestion at existing ports.
Travel Documentation
All travelers entering Canada through this port of entry must possess the appropriate travel documentation as outlined by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
Following the opening, Canada’s total number of land border ports of entry rises to 118.
Sources: Canada Border Services Agency press release (24 July 2026); Windsor‑Detroit Bridge Authority announcement (24 July 2026).
Source article: www.cicnews.com
