Monday traffic began moving across the Gordie Howe International Bridge, a new Detroit River crossing built to speed trade, jobs and tourism between Canada and the U.S.
The 1.5-mile, six-lane span gives trucks a second major Detroit crossing after nearly a century in which the Ambassador Bridge was the only route for large commercial vehicles.
Canada funded the project at an estimated $6.4 billion, and a recent deal will share some toll revenue with the U.S. for 15 years; Michigan's share comes only after Canada's costs are recovered.
The opening follows a Windsor ribbon-cutting last week that excluded U.S. and Michigan officials after President Donald Trump announced 50% tariffs on Canadian goods.
Detroit is the busiest truck port on the U.S.-Canada border, and with more than 70% of Canadian exports headed to the U.S., the bridge adds capacity to a crucial trade corridor.
Will the Gordie Howe Bridge finally break the Detroit-Windsor truck bottleneck, or will customs delays and old habits keep freight on the Ambassador Bridge?
Canada spent $6.4 billion on this new border crossing—but how soon will lower tolls, faster trade, and tourism pay off?