At a total of 5,525 miles (if you include that of the contiguous U.S. and Alaska), the border between the United States and Canada is the longest, between two countries, in the world.
However due to the need to typically complete the required processes when traveling between two countries, there are specified border crossings in Alaska, Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine to allow travel, typically by vehicle but sometimes by foot.
The border crossings in the larger cities are, obviously, busier than those in the less populated areas. Detroit, in particular, has had long history of long waits at the border crossings. Between tourists, workers and especially commercial vehicles, the Ambassador Bridge and Detroit-Windsor Tunnel just couldn’t handle the load. So the Gordie Howe Bridge has been under contruction for the past 8 years (completion was slowed due to COVID).
However the wait is over.
Canada had ribbon-cutting ceremony in Windsor this past Friday (the ceremony was originally supposed to be a a joint U.S.-Canada event but Canadian officials canceled that, following Trump’s announcement of new 50% tarriffs on Canada on July 20th), and the new $4.7B billion bridge, named after the late NHL player, is scheduled to open today, July 27th, at 12pm.
Bridge statistics
Once open, the Gordie Howe International Bridge will be the largest bridge crossing between the United States and Canada.
The bridge spans 1.5 miles and features twin towers standing 722 feet above the Detroit River. It includes six lanes of traffic (three in each direction), for commercial and passenger vehicles, with a total of 16 toll lanes and 60 inspection lanes at the U.S. port of entry.
The bridge will also include a toll-free multi-use path for pedestrians, cyclists and other non-motorized users. That part of the bridge will open on August 5th.
Over the course of the 8 years, the bridge had 15,843 individuals who contributed to its being built, with 20.1 million hours worked.
Toll costs
The tolls for the new bridge will cost less than half as much as the fees at the Ambassador Bridge. Again, pedestrians and cyclists traveling the bridge won’t be charged.
For small and medium-sized vehicles, including most passenger cars, motorcycles and trucks under 7.5 feet, the flat rate is $5.75 USD. Vehicles towing trailers pay an additional $5.75.
Larger vehicles (RVs, buses and commercial trucks over 7.5 feet) will pay $8.60 per axle. Vehicles transporting hazardous materials or oversized loads are charged at a rate of $8.75 per axle but may face additional fees depending on special handling or required safety measures.
Drivers enrolled in the “Breakaway” toll discount program receive reduced rates. For small and medium-sized vehicles, the discounted rate is $4.35 per vehicle (if a trailer is attached, an additional $4.35 fee is charged). For larger vehicles, the rate is $6.90 per axle, with any additional charges for special handling still applicable.
Payment for bridge use can be made via Breakaway account, U.S. or Canadian cash, debit cards, credit cards and contactless payment methods.
According to the CBC, Canada will receive 50% of net toll revenues for the first 15 years of the bridge’s operation. The other half will go toward an economic development fund “solely controlled” by the U.S.
Crossing between the United States and Canada will always require the proper travel documents and a stop at customs.
But making the journey a little easier is good news for everyone—whether you’re heading north for a vacation, flying into one country and continuing by land, visiting family, traveling for work or simply exploring someplace new.
After years of anticipation, travelers can finally start taking advantage of the new option.
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