The highly anticipated Gordie Howe International Bridge, a key new link between Detroit and Windsor, is approaching completion, with its official opening slated for fall 2025.
Named after Detroit Red Wings legend and Canadian hockey icon Gordie Howe, the bridge reached a major milestone in June, when its two sides were successfully connected. Now in the final stages of construction, officials confirm that the project remains on schedule to boost trade and travel between the United States and Canada.
The Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA) announced in early 2024 that the completion timeline had been adjusted due to pandemic-related setbacks and supply chain disruptions. However, recent progress has been steady. The remaining work includes finishing the bridge deck, installing safety features and completing the ports of entry on each side.
Once finished, the bridge will be the longest cable-stayed bridge in North America, stretching 1.5 miles across the Detroit River, according to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).
History
Discussions about a new crossing between Detroit and Windsor began in the early 2000s. The aging Ambassador Bridge, built in 1929, has served as the primary trade route between the neighboring countries, but maintenance has struggled to keep up with increasing traffic volumes.
More than 25% of all U.S.-Canada trade flows through this corridor, according to the FHWA. Officials identified the need for a second crossing to reduce congestion and improve efficiency.
In 2012, the Canadian government committed to financing the bridge’s construction, ensuring that Michigan taxpayers would not bear the cost. The WDBA was established in 2015 to manage the project, and by 2018, the "Bridging North America" consortium secured the contract to design, construct and maintain the bridge.
Construction began in October 2018, with notable progress despite challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and global material shortages.
One of the key reasons for the bridge's development was the heavy reliance on the Ambassador Bridge for trade and travel. As North America’s busiest border crossing for commercial trucks, the Ambassador Bridge has been plagued by bottlenecks, outdated infrastructure and maintenance concerns.
Unlike the new Gordie Howe International Bridge, the Ambassador Bridge lacks dedicated lanes for modern trucking needs and has struggled to keep up with evolving security and traffic management requirements. With an increase in trade between the U.S. and Canada over the past few decades, it became evident that a second crossing was necessary to handle demand.
Impact
The Gordie Howe International Bridge is expected to have a significant economic impact on Michigan and Ontario. Designed to optimize commercial traffic flow, it will reduce wait times at border crossings and enhance supply chain efficiency.
The bridge could facilitate billions of dollars in trade annually while supporting thousands of jobs in industries dependent on cross-border commerce, according to WDBA estimates.
“The long-enduring and lucrative trade relationship between Canada and the U.S. is one of our nation’s most important and central to our economic competitiveness and prosperity,” said President and Chief Executive Officer of the Detroit Regional Chamber, Sandy K. Baruah.
The bridge also will provide a crucial alternative route for commuters and travelers, easing congestion at the aging Ambassador Bridge and the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel. State-of-the-art ports of entry will improve security while expediting customs processing.
“Congestion and delays at the border crossings have been an issue for several years and, if not addressed, can impact individual businesses and, ultimately, the overall economy. By 2030, if we do not address congestion problems, the Michigan-Ontario border would cost the economies of Michigan and Ontario a total of $6.3 billion in U.S. production annually,” according to The Economic Impact of the Border fact sheet put out by the Detroit Regional Chamber and SEMCOG.
Beyond economic advantages, the project includes environmental and community initiatives. Investments in local infrastructure, green spaces and noise reduction measures aim to minimize disruption to surrounding neighborhoods. The bridge’s design incorporates dedicated lanes for cyclists and pedestrians, promoting sustainable transportation options.
The Gordie Howe International Bridge is not only significant for its economic impact but also for its ambitious engineering. The cable-stayed bridge will feature six lanes—three in each direction—and will be one of the longest bridges of its kind in the world.
The design allows for a more durable and aesthetically pleasing structure compared to traditional suspension bridges, which rely on large vertical towers and extensive cabling. By using a cable-stayed system, engineers have ensured that the bridge will have fewer maintenance needs in the long run.
The bridge’s main tower, standing approximately 722 feet, is one of the tallest structures in the region. Its height and design were carefully planned to accommodate large shipping vessels that travel along the Detroit River. In addition to vehicular lanes, the bridge will include a multi-use path for pedestrians and cyclists, providing a scenic crossing between the U.S. and Canada, according to the Gordie Howe International Bridge website.
The construction process has been a massive undertaking, involving thousands of workers and careful coordination between various agencies in both countries. The WDBA has emphasized sustainability and environmental responsibility, ensuring that construction materials are sourced responsibly and that construction activities do not negatively impact the local ecosystem.
The bridge's design has also accounted for long-term durability, with materials chosen to withstand Michigan and Ontario's harsh winter conditions.
Canadian officials have played a significant role in funding the bridge, reinforcing Canada’s commitment to a more efficient and modern trade route. With Detroit and Windsor serving as major hubs for the auto industry, the bridge is expected to play a key role in maintaining supply chain stability.
With its scheduled opening this fall, the Gordie Howe International Bridge is set to become a vital component of North American infrastructure. The project marks a historic collaboration between the U.S. and Canada, reinforcing a more efficient and resilient trade corridor.
As construction nears completion, anticipation continues to build for a new era of connectivity between Detroit and Windsor, solidifying their role as a key gateway for international commerce and travel.
Officials are optimistic that the bridge will improve current transportation issues and future-proof cross-border trade by ensuring that infrastructure keeps pace with economic and technological advancements. The bridge also is expected to play a crucial role in tourism, making travel between Detroit and Windsor more seamless for visitors and residents alike.
Sources: GordieHoweInternationalBridge.com, FHWA, DetroitChamber.com, SBN-Detroit.org
