Gordie Howe bridge finally opens
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The Gordie Howe bridge, from Delray Park. Photo: Annalise Frank/Axios
After a long and controversial wind-up, the Gordie Howe International Bridge opened Monday without big backups.
Why it matters: There are now three ways to get through North America's biggest trade crossing by vehicle: the tunnel downtown, the Ambassador Bridge and Gordie Howe.
Zoom in: Traffic has been steady but not heavy, per a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) official as of Monday afternoon.
- Cargo traffic is expected to shift over to Gordie Howe, freeing up the other crossings.
- It's unknown exactly how wait times will change over the course of the first week.
The latest: Fittingly, the family of the legendary ice hockey player Gordie Howe was in the first passenger vehicle to cross, per CBC.
- Local officials also made a show of navigating the new span. U.S. Sen. Gary Peters rode his motorcycle over, while Gov. Gretchen Whitmer made the trip in a Ford Mustang.
What they're saying: In a statement, Whitmer's administration said it was responsible, in partnership with Canada, for the "successful completion of the bridge project following decades of hurdles."
- Former Gov. Rick Snyder inked the 2012 deal to build the bridge. It later faced delays due to construction, COVID-19 and President Trump's administration.
"This new connection between Detroit and Windsor will strengthen our economy, support jobs, and bring lasting benefits to communities on both sides of the river," Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield said in a statement.
- "Detroit is proud to welcome this landmark, and we look forward to the opportunities it will bring for generations to come."
Zoom out: Local leaders' statements on Monday focused on jobs, cross-country collaboration and economic growth opportunity versus recent political strife over the bridge deal.
- A joint U.S.-Canada celebration was canceled after the Trump administration last week announced additional tariffs on certain Canadian goods, the Detroit News reported.
- Canada held its own celebration Friday.
Before you go: CBP prepared for potential backups and is warning users to have travel documents ready (passport, NEXUS card or enhanced driver's license) and accurately declare goods, alcohol and agricultural items to help traffic proceed smoothly.
- A one-way passenger toll costs $5.75, or $4.35 for drivers enrolled in the bridge's Breakaway toll program.
- Find information on wait times on CBP's website. Monday afternoon and Tuesday morning, the website showed no wait for Gordie Howe.
- Axios visited Delray Park near the bridge Monday afternoon and saw little traffic on the span.