Gordie Howe International Bridge Complete Guide: Opening 2025, Tolls & Payment
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Gordie Howe International Bridge Complete Guide
System: Electronic toll collection (Canadian side) + Multi-use path
Coverage: US-Canada border crossing connecting Detroit, MI and Windsor, ON
Currency: To be determined (Canadian toll collection)
Technology: State-of-the-art electronic toll system, advanced inspection facilities
Operator: Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA) / Bridging North America (BNA)
When Will the Gordie Howe International Bridge Open? 2025 Update
The Gordie Howe International Bridge is scheduled to open in fall 2025, with construction completion planned for September 2025. This represents a 10-month delay from the original late 2024 target due to COVID-19 pandemic impacts.
Key Reality: The first vehicles are expected to travel across the bridge in fall 2025, providing a new alternative to the Ambassador Bridge for the Windsor-Detroit corridor.
2025 Update: The CA$6.4 billion project (up from original $5.7 billion) will be entirely funded by the Canadian government and recouped through bridge tolls. The bridge deck was connected in summer 2024, with final systems installation underway.
Gordie Howe Bridge Toll Information: What to Expect
While specific toll rates have not been announced, the bridge will feature modern electronic toll collection designed to compete with existing crossings and provide value for the massive investment.
Toll Collection Design (2025)
| Feature | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Toll Collection Location | Canadian side (both directions) | Confirmed |
| Technology | Electronic toll collection system | In development |
| Toll Rates | To be announced - expected competitive | Pending |
| Multi-Use Path | Toll-free for pedestrians and cyclists | Confirmed |
| Revenue Purpose | Repay Canadian government investment | Confirmed |
Bridge Specifications & Capacity
- Traffic capacity: Expected to handle 26,500 vehicles per day by 2025
- Six traffic lanes with dedicated highway-to-highway connectivity
- 53 hectares (130 acres) Canadian Port of Entry with toll collection facilities
- 68 hectares (170 acres) US Port of Entry with border inspection facilities
- Multi-use path connecting Trans Canada Trail to Iron Belle Trail
Bridge Features & Payment Methods
The Gordie Howe International Bridge will feature cutting-edge technology designed for efficient border crossings:
1. Electronic Toll Collection:
- State-of-the-art electronic system on Canadian side
- Advanced inspection systems for quick processing
- Seamless toll collection technology
- Designed to minimize wait times
2. Multi-Use Path Features:
- Toll-free crossing for pedestrians and cyclists
- First non-special event legal pedestrian crossing of Detroit River
- Dedicated customs facilities for foot/bicycle travelers
- Connects to Trans Canada Trail and Iron Belle Trail networks
3. Advanced Infrastructure:
- Cable-stayed bridge design - longest span in North America
- High-powered LED lighting system
- Hockey stick-inspired tower design honoring Gordie Howe
- Direct connection I-75 to Highway 401
To calculate toll costs for the Gordie Howe International Bridge once operational, use TollGuru toll calculator
Construction Progress & Timeline (2025)
Major Milestones Completed:
- Bridge deck connected in summer 2024
- US tower completed at 220m height (August 2023)
- Canadian tower completed (December 2023)
- Stay cables installation completed
- Over 2,300 workers at peak construction
Current Work (2025):
- Bridge paving and electrical systems installation
- Fire suppression and lighting systems
- Port of Entry interior finishing and landscaping
- Final testing and operational preparations
Remaining Timeline:
- September 2025: Construction completion target
- Fall 2025: First vehicles expected to cross
- Post-opening: 30-year operation and maintenance contract
Location & Connectivity
Strategic Location:
- Connects Detroit, Michigan with Windsor, Ontario
- Direct Interstate 75 to Highway 401 connection
- Provides highway-to-highway connectivity (unlike Ambassador Bridge)
- Located in Detroit's Delray neighborhood and Windsor's west end
Border Crossing Context:
- Ambassador Bridge currently handles 25% of US-Canada truck crossings
- New bridge will provide crossing redundancy and increased capacity
- Expected to handle 26,500 vehicles daily by 2025
- Will complement existing Ambassador Bridge and Detroit-Windsor Tunnel
Documentation Requirements:
- Valid passport or passport card
- Enhanced driver's license (EDL)
- NEXUS, FAST, or SENTRI card
- US Military or other approved identification
Multi-Use Path: Toll-Free Pedestrian & Cycling
Path Features:
- Toll-free access for pedestrians and cyclists
- Single lane accommodating two-way traffic
- Green, skid-resistant, retro-reflective surface
- Concrete barriers separating from vehicle traffic
Trail Connections:
- Canada: Connects to Trans Canada Trail and Great Lakes Waterfront Trail
- US: Links to Iron Belle Trail and Great Lakes Way
- Broadway Street multi-use path and Malden Park trailhead
- AODA-compliant design (Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act)
Border Processing:
- Separate processing facilities for pedestrians and cyclists
- Dedicated customs facilities to prevent interaction with vehicle traffic
- Terms of Use to be shared before 2025 opening
Planning Your Crossing
When to Use the Bridge:
- Highway-to-highway travel (I-75 to Highway 401)
- Commercial truck transportation
- Alternative to Ambassador Bridge congestion
- Pedestrian and cycling tourism
Expected Advantages:
- Modern electronic toll collection
- Expanded border processing capacity
- Direct freeway connections (no city streets)
- Toll-free pedestrian and cycling access
Community Benefits:
- $20 million allocated to community benefit projects
- $3 million community benefits extension through 2025-2026
- Enhanced cross-border tourism opportunities
- Active transportation infrastructure investment
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the Gordie Howe International Bridge open?
The bridge is scheduled to open in fall 2025, with construction completion planned for September 2025. The opening was delayed from the original late 2024 target due to COVID-19 pandemic impacts.
How much will tolls cost on the Gordie Howe Bridge?
Specific toll rates have not been announced yet. The increased project cost will not impact the eventual toll rates - the government will just take longer to recoup costs. Rates are expected to be competitive with other border crossings.
Can I walk or bike across the Gordie Howe Bridge?
Yes! The bridge features a toll-free multi-use path for pedestrians and cyclists, making it the first non-special event legal pedestrian crossing of the Detroit River.
How will the Gordie Howe Bridge compare to the Ambassador Bridge?
The Gordie Howe Bridge will offer highway-to-highway connectivity (I-75 to Highway 401) unlike the Ambassador Bridge which connects to city streets. It will provide crossing redundancy and modern processing facilities.
Who operates the Gordie Howe International Bridge?
The bridge is operated by Bridging North America consortium under a 30-year public-private partnership, with the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority overseeing operations and toll collection.
Regional Border Crossings
| Border Crossing | System Type | Status | Connection |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gordie Howe Bridge | Electronic (Canadian) | Opening Fall 2025 | I-75 to Highway 401 |
| Ambassador Bridge | Traditional tolls | Operational | City streets |
| Detroit-Windsor Tunnel | Traditional tolls | Operational | Downtown connection |
| Canada General | Provincial systems | Various | Nationwide |
| United States | E-ZPass + State systems | Multi-state | Interstate network |
Useful Links & Resources
Related Border Crossings:
- Canada Toll Roads - Provincial toll systems and border crossings
- United States Toll Roads - State toll networks and border facilities
- Michigan Toll Roads - State-specific toll information
- Ontario Toll Roads - Provincial 407 ETR and other facilities
- Detroit-Windsor Tunnel - Alternative underground crossing
- Ambassador Bridge - Existing Detroit-Windsor crossing
Official Project Information:
- Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority: Official project updates and information
- Bridging North America: Private partner for construction and operations
- GordieHoweInternationalBridge.com: Official project website
- Project Facebook: @GordieHoweBridge for construction updates
Project History:
- Named after hockey legend Gordie Howe (2015)
- Construction began July 2018
- Bridge deck connection completed summer 2024
- $6.4 billion total project cost (Canadian funded)
