The Gordie Howe International Bridge will officially open on July 27, marking a major milestone for trade and transportation between Canada and the United States.
The federal government announced Friday that Canada and the State of Michigan have agreed on the opening date with the support of the United States government.
The new crossing is expected to strengthen trade, improve supply chains and support economic growth by providing a new route across the Windsor-Detroit corridor, the busiest international land border crossing in North America.
Spanning the Detroit River between Windsor, Ont., and Detroit, Mich., the six-lane cable-stayed bridge features an 853-metre main span, the longest of its kind in North America, and stretches approximately 2.5 kilometres. The crossing also includes new ports of entry on both sides of the border equipped with advanced screening and border management technology.
The governments of Canada and the United States have also agreed to a series of cooperative measures related to toll governance and transparency, as well as investments in the region. The agreement includes the creation of a 15-year economic development fund supported by a portion of bridge operating profits.
The Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority will also work with the U.S. government on certain toll-rate adjustments that are not based on market conditions.
“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. This nation-building project is a testament to what Canada can accomplish when we come together with a shared vision. Our gratitude goes to all the staff, workers, partners, and community members who were involved. The Gordie Howe International Bridge will create new opportunities, strengthen our economy, and bring economic benefits on both sides of border for generations to come,” said Housing and Infrastructure Minister Gregor Robertson.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer said the bridge will provide lasting economic benefits on both sides of the border.
“The Gordie Howe International Bridge has always been a great deal for our state. Thousands of Michigan workers built this critical bridge, which will speed up auto production, lower costs, ease traffic, strengthen agriculture, and give people on both sides of the border better-paying jobs and brighter futures. I’m proud to have fought for its opening and congratulate my partners who have worked on this issue alongside me for years. This bridge is a testament to the enduring partnership between Michigan and Canada and what we can get done when we think big and bet on our shared future together. Thank you to our allies in Canada and to the Michiganders who advocated for years to get this done. Let’s keep working together to build a bright future for Michigan and Canada.”
