New Gordie Howe International Bridge to open to public traffic Monday

The Gordie Howe International Bridge connecting Windsor, Ontario, and Detroit, Michigan, will open to public traffic on Monday, marking a major milestone for cross-border transportation between Canada and the United States.

Federal Infrastructure Minister Gregor Robertson made the announcement during the bridge's official opening ceremony on the Canadian side in Windsor. According to the federal government, the new cable-stayed bridge spans the Detroit River and provides a direct highway-to-highway connection between Ontario Highway 401 and Michigan Interstate 75.

The six-lane bridge is expected to improve the movement of commercial goods and travellers across one of North America's busiest international border crossings. The Government of Canada says the project cost approximately $6.4 billion to build and is the longest cable-stayed bridge in North America.

Robertson said the bridge reflects decades of cooperation between Canada and the United States despite political differences over the years. He said the 2.5-kilometre crossing represents the long-standing commitment of both countries to strengthen trade and transportation links.