The Metro: Gordie Howe International Bridge opens over the Detroit River

Eight years after ground broke, the Gordie Howe International Bridge is now open to vehicle traffic crossing between Detroit and Windsor. It comes amid political tension between Canada and the U.S.

American officials were disinvited to a ribbon cutting ceremony for the span held in Ontario, after Donald Trump placed 50% tariffs on Canada. Still, Canadian leaders are highlighting the Gordie Howe Bridge as a testament to the relationship between the two countries.

Mark Wiseman is Canada’s ambassador to the U.S.

“Where we stand today is truly one region,” says Wiseman. “It is a place of two nations with a shared community.”

The new span will give truck drivers crossing the Detroit River an alternative to the existing Ambassador Bridge, which has been the corridor’s only option for commercial truck drivers for nearly a century.

Nearly $70 billion of trade goods moved between Detroit and Windsor last year, according to the Detroit Regional Chambers.

The U.S. and Canada will split Gordie Howe net toll revenue 50/50 for the next 15 years. That represents a change from the original agreement, which would have seen Canada collect all toll revenue until it paid itself back for footing the entire cost of the bridge deck – splitting revenue with Michigan after that.

Hear The Metro’s Robyn Vincent and Alex McLenon discuss the Gordie Howe’s opening by using the media player.