Specialized Loads
With direct access to the Gordie Howe International Bridge from Ontario Highway 401 and Interstate-75, all oversize/overweight loads require permits from the Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO) and/or Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT). Complete a permit application(s) at the following:
- www.ontario.ca/page/get-oversizeoverweight-permit
- www.michigan.gov/mdot/business/permits/oversize-overweight.
Once a permit application is received, an evaluation process is undertaken. Additional permit conditions may be identified, including:
- specified hours of travel
- speed limits
- traffic control
- escort vehicle(s)
- route supervision
- weather conditions
- post-load crossing bridge inspection.
Approval to cross the bridge will be communicated in the application response issued by MTO and MDOT. If travel plans change from an approved permit, these must be submitted in advance through the authorized permitting agencies (MTO and MDOT) for re-evaluation.
Taking these highway access points into consideration, the Gordie Howe International Bridge can accommodate specialized loads within:
- maximum allowable height – 5.3 meters/17.3 feet | 5.0 meters/ 16.4 feet for Hazmat canopy
- maximum allowable width – 3.6 meters/11.8 feet
- maximum allowable weight – 69,400 kilograms/153,000 pounds and within the limits of Michigan Legal Loads
- maximum allowable length – 30.2 meters/99 feet.
- Travel is restricted for oversized/overweight loads between 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. (EST) and 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. (EST).
- Carriers should review MTO and MDOT websites to identify any additional conditions, regulatory requirements and/or travel restrictions, including night travel on the connecting highways, before accessing the bridge facilities.
- Parking or holding areas are not available within the Gordie Howe International Bridge ports of entry.
Permit holders must call the Gordie Howe International Bridge Traffic Management Centre (TMC) at 1-800-204-3616 a minimum of 24 hours in advance of crossing.
Upon arrival, all oversize/overweight loads are required to check in at the port of entry prior to crossing the bridge. Drivers should park in the following designated areas in Canada and the US and call the TMC at 1-800-204-3616.
Canadian Port of Entry
US Port of Entry
Once you cross over the bridge, oversize and overweight loads use the far right primary inspection lane at both the Canadian and US Port of Entry sites for processing with Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and US Customs and Border Protection (U.S. CBP).
The Gordie Howe International Bridge has been designed to manage and transport all nine classes of Dangerous Goods/Hazardous Materials, including:
| Class | Hazard Type |
|---|---|
| 1 | Explosives |
| 2 | Gases |
| 3 | Flammable liquids |
| 4 | Flammable solids |
| 5 | Oxidizers & organic peroxides |
| 6 | Toxic & infectious |
| 7 | Radioactive |
| 8 | Corrosive |
| 9 | Miscellaneous |
Commercial carriers transporting Dangerous Goods/Hazardous Materials must abide by the conditions set out by applicable Federal, State or Provincial Authorities for the transportation of these products.
If escorts are required as part of those conditions, those same requirements and applicable toll rates will apply to the escort vehicle crossing the bridge.
Specific permits or notifications are not required.*
*Applicable permit and notification requirements may be subject to change in the future.
If an escort vehicle is required for the transportation of specialized loads, this vehicle(s) will be subject to applicable toll rates. There are no additional fees applied*.
When travelling through the toll area, drivers utilize the far right, oversized lane.
Should any damage occur to Gordie Howe International Bridge infrastructure as a result of the transportation of specialized loads, the permit holders will be responsible.
*Fees associated with the transportation of specialized loads may be subject to change.
Questions
For additional information on the transportation of specialized loads, contact Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority at [email protected] or 1-844-322-1773.