Windsor, Ontario: Celebrating a new era of cross-border transportation, representatives from the Government of Canada, Government of Ontario, Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority, Bridging North America, and members of the Howe Family joined together today to officially inaugurate the Gordie Howe International Bridge at a ribbon-cutting ceremony and hockey game to mark this historic opening.
The Gordie Howe International Bridge is one of the most significant infrastructure projects in North America, built through partnership, ambition, and a shared belief that investing in modern infrastructure builds a stronger future.
The Gordie Howe International Bridge will officially open to traffic on Monday, July 27, 2026, welcoming travellers as early as 12:00 p.m. The bridge and connecting facilities transform how people and goods move across North America by creating a direct, highway-to-highway connection between Ontario’s Highway 401 and Michigan’s Interstate-75, along a corridor were there is $300 billion a year in trade between Michigan and Ontario. Designed with six bridge lanes, 16 toll lanes and 60 Canada and U.S. inspection lanes, the new crossing and its modern ports of entry enhance efficiency, reliability and security for commercial and passenger traffic.
Beyond strengthening international trade and connecting communities, the project has delivered significant local benefits, contributing an estimated $1.3 billion to Windsor’s GDP while investing in community infrastructure, neighbourhood improvements and workforce development. This included more than 455 student work placements supporting youth from the region.
Since construction started in October 2018, more than 15,800 individuals, including a strong unionized labour force, worked over 20.1 million hours to cross this finish line. On-site agencies, the Canada Border Services Agency, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, US Customs and Border Protection, the US Department of Agriculture, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, and the US Food and Drug Administration, have worked together to prepare their new facilities, train staff and ensure a seamless transition when the bridge opens to travellers and commercial traffic.
The Gordie Howe International Bridge is the first new crossing between Ontario and Michigan in over 60 years. Its 220 m/720 ft towers are among the tallest structures in the region, its main span is the longest for any cable-stayed bridge in North America, and its connecting ports of entry are the largest along the Canada-US border. A stand-out feature, the toll-free multi-use path, will open to walkers and cyclists on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at 8:00 a.m.
The opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge marks the culmination of more than two decades of collaboration and represents a generational investment in Canada’s economic future.
This bridge represents the kind of ambitious, nation-building infrastructure Canada is focused on. As we build Canada strong, the Government of Canada is making the investments needed to expand trade capacity, strengthen supply chains, and connect communities from coast to coast to coast.
The Gordie Howe International Bridge is more than a new crossing—it is a foundation for Canada’s future and a symbol of what can be achieved when we work together to build a stronger, more resilient country.
Quotes
“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, the Howe family, 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.”
- The Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada
“The Gordie Howe International Bridge will support increased trade and good-paying jobs on both sides of the border, adding to the $82 billion in cross-border trade that Michigan and Ontario do every year. This bridge is a testament to the incredible legacy of Gordie Howe, and to the millions of Americans and Canadians who work together every day to make both of our countries more secure, safe and prosperous.”
- Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario
“After nearly 25 years of planning and construction, the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge marks a defining moment for Windsor-Essex. This once-in-a-generation infrastructure project will strengthen one of the world’s most important trade corridors, move people and goods more efficiently between Canada and the United States, and unlock new opportunities for investment, job creation and economic growth. It will build on the extraordinary momentum transforming our city as one of Canada’s fastest-growing regions, and position Windsor-Essex at the centre of a new era of trade, tourism, investment and long-term prosperity. Thank you to Prime Minister Mark Carney, Minister Gregor Robertson, the Government of Canada, Premier Doug Ford and the Ontario Government, Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority and Bridging North America, the family of Gordie Howe, and every designer, engineer, contractor, tradesperson, and all community stakeholders who have been involved every step of the way. The opportunities created by the Gordie Howe International Bridge will benefit the families who call this region home for generations to come.”
- Drew Dilkens, Mayor, City of Windsor
“After years of study, planning, and construction, Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority is honoured and immensely proud to welcome the first travellers across the Gordie Howe International Bridge. This historic milestone reflects the vision, determination, and collaboration of countless individuals. With profound gratitude, we recognize the staff, workers, partners, supporters, businesses, and community members whose enduring contributions have transformed an ambitious vision into a lasting connection that will unite communities, strengthen economies, and serve generations to come.”
- Marie Campagna, Chair, Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority Board of Directors
“At Bridging North America, we’re proud to lead a workforce of thousands who have brought this project to substantial completion. Their work ethic, precision and collaboration with each other and WDBA are the foundation of our success. This is a direct reflection of what industries and communities can build when they work together.”
- David Henderson, Chief Executive Officer, Bridging North America
“The Howe family is so grateful that our father and mother’s legacy of love continues to live on through the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge. They lived to celebrate humanity, hope, and human connection. They are no doubt smiling down upon us all, and we are humbled by the magnificence and magnitude of this moment. Blessings to you all!”
- The Howe Family
“The Gordie Howe International Bridge will serve as a modern trading gateway for the safe, efficient and secure movement of people and goods across Canada’s border with the United States. I want to thank the Canada Border Services Agency officers who are ready to support operations at this new, world-class port of entry.”
- The Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Public Safety
“The Canada Border Services Agency is proud to begin operations at the Gordie Howe International Bridge. With state-of-the-art infrastructure, advanced technology and a highly trained workforce supporting operations at the site, the Agency is ready to deliver safe, efficient and reliable border services now and into the future.”
- Erin O’Gorman, President, Canada Border Services Agency
“The opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge reinforces our commitment to safeguarding food, animal, and plant health. The Bridge’s new CFIA office is designed to improve service delivery, strengthen our animal health inspection capacity, and reduce inspection times – all of which will allow for increased trade opportunities for Canadian businesses while protecting our people and animals.”
- The Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
“Trans Canada Trail is thrilled to celebrate the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge and welcome its multi-use path to our 30,000 km trail network. This is a proud moment for our country that was only possible thanks to the collaboration and hard work of so many dedicated partners, communities and individuals. As the first international border crossing to join the Trans Canada Trail, this new landmark will create incredible opportunities for active transportation and trail tourism throughout southern Ontario and beyond. It is a powerful reminder that thoughtful, multi-use infrastructure can inspire pride, unity and connection.”
- Mathieu Roy, Chief Executive Officer, Trans Canada Trail
“For local residents, the Gordie Howe International Bridge brings the potential for new jobs, investment and community development, while creating new ways to connect with our neighbours. For visitors, the multi-use path, including dedicated bike and pedestrian access, is an exciting and forward-thinking element of the project. It reflects that the bridge is not only about moving goods, it is also about connecting people, communities and experiences, while creating a unique new way for visitors to explore both sides of the border.”
- Gordon Orr, CEO, Invest WindsorEssex and CEO of Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island
“For many years, the Windsor Essex Chamber of Commerce has proudly supported the Gordie Howe International Bridge through advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and partnership with organizations on both sides of the border. We have long recognized this project as a generational investment in trade, economic competitiveness, and the future prosperity of our region. Seeing the bridge open is not only the culmination of years of construction, but also the realization of a vision supported by businesses and stakeholders throughout Windsor-Essex for decades.”
- Ryan Donally, President & CEO, Windsor Essex Chamber of Commerce
Quick Facts
- Opening follows Bridging North America’s achievement of the contractual milestone, Substantial Completion. Bridging North America now begins the 30-year operations, maintenance and rehabilitation component of the $6.4 billion project contract.
- A key component of the design-build phase of the project was the Gordie Howe International Bridge Community Benefits Plan. The result of community members, agencies and governments coming together to create meaningful and lasting impacts, $23 million was invested to deliver in over 130 community-driven initiatives.
- Supporting efficient traffic movement, the 16 state-of-the-art toll lanes located at the Canadian Port of Entry were designed with customers in mind allowing for various payment methods including Breakaway, the Gordie Howe International Bridge toll discount program. Account holders enjoy lower toll rates, time savings and hassle-free payment.
- Locally designed, officially licensed, made-in-Canada, Gordie Howe International Bridge merchandise is now available with three Windsor-based companies offering a first wave of apparel and commemorative products. Shop now.
Related Products
Associated Links
- Video: Construction of the Gordie Howe International Bridge
- Video: Experience the Ports of Entry at the Gordie Howe International Bridge
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Gordie Howe International Bridge
Media Relations Team
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