New Gordie Howe International Bridge is a major, six-lane, cable-stayed bridge spanning the Detroit River, connecting Windsor, Ontario, and Detroit, Michigan, designed to enhance trade, travel and border efficiency.

Linking Interstate 75 in Michigan with Highway 401 in Ontario via Rt. Hon. Herb Gray Parkway extension, the bridge is designed to provide uninterrupted traffic flow, unlike nearby Ambassador Bridge, constructed in 1929, which connects to city streets on the Canadian side.

Gordie Howe International Bridge includes two modern ports of entry to accommodate commercial drivers, commuters and cross-border visitors, improving traffic capacity, border processing and highway-to-highway connectivity. The bridge is named after Gordie Howe, the Canadian ice hockey legend who played 25 seasons with the Detroit Red Wings.

The bridge stretches 1.5 miles across the Detroit River, making it the longest cable-stayed bridge in North America. Construction began in the early 2010s, with major milestones including the successful connection of the two sides in June 2024.

The project also involved reconstruction of Interstate 75 approaches, local road improvements and pedestrian connections to integrate the bridge with surrounding infrastructure. It features state-of-the-art lighting, safety fences and deck systems, and is jointly owned by Canada and the state of Michigan, with Canada fully funding the project cost, expected to be recouped through tolls. The Windsor–Detroit Bridge Authority, a Canadian federal Crown corporation, manages construction and operations, although workers and materials from both countries contributed to the project, reflecting its binational collaboration.

The United States formally designated the crossing as a port of entry effective March 2, 2026, although another official public opening date has not yet been announced as of press time for this article.

For thousands of American and Canadian commuters, tourists and truck drivers, the scheduled spring grand opening of Gordie Howe International Bridge was canceled at the last minute. The delay follows an ongoing diplomatic stand-off between the two countries.

When opened, however, Gordie Howe International Bridge is anticipated to enhance regional commerce and tourism, create jobs, and improve cross-border logistics, reinforcing its role as a key gateway for North American trade. It will transform how people and goods move across the region. Not only will the project deliver much-needed transportation improvements for international travelers, it will also provide jobs and opportunities for growth to the Windsor-Detroit region.

Although the bridge is not yet open for vehicles, the WDBA and Bridging North America launched Breakaway personal accounts, expanding the toll discount program to individuals and families, as well as commercial vehicles. Whether commuting to work, visiting relatives or exploring the region, drivers equipped with Breakaway tags on their vehicles benefit from automatic payments and exclusive savings. Passenger vehicles will pay a standard toll of $5.75 (USD) per crossing on Gordie Howe International Bridge, while registered Breakaway members receive a 25 percent discount, lowering the rate to $4.35.

All travelers have the opportunity to sign up at GordieHoweInternationalBridge.com, receive their tags and get ready for opening day.