OTTAWA: Canada has opened a new international bridge connecting Windsor, Ontario, and Detroit, U.S., providing the newest and largest land border crossing with the United States, despite rising trade tensions between the two countries.
The Gordie Howe International Bridge now stands as the newest, largest and most technologically advanced land border crossing connecting the two countries, according to authorities on both sides. The standard toll for passenger vehicles is set at C$8 (US$5.75) per trip, according to the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority, which operates the bridge. Commercial trucks, large trucks and larger passenger vehicles are charged C$12 (US$8.75) per axle.
The new bridge provides a vital connection between Ontario’s Highway 401 and Michigan’s Interstate 75. According to the Canada Border Services Agency, it brings the total number of land ports of entry in Canada to 118.
In addition, the bridge’s multi-use path will open to pedestrians and cyclists starting August 5. Spanning the Detroit River, the 2.5-kilometre-long, 3.6-metre-wide path will carry two-way traffic and connect directly to local road networks on both sides of the border.
The opening comes amid escalating trade tensions between Canada and the United States. US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on July 20 imposing 50 per cent tariffs on hundreds of Canadian imports. In response, the Canadian government has rescinded an invitation to a US representative to attend the bridge’s joint ribbon-cutting ceremony, which was scheduled for Friday.
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