Bridge pathway opens Wednesday. Here's what to know
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The multi-use path. Photo: Courtesy of Gordie Howe International Bridge
Wednesday is the second part of the Gordie Howe International Bridge's long-awaited opening — the pedestrian and cycling pathway.
Why it matters: The bridge authority is urging patience, as it expects long lines for the 1.8-mile international path's 8am opening.
- It's garnered a lot of excitement and is expected to become a major tourism destination.
Here's what to know before you go:
⏱️ You're gonna wait: Bridge operators will cap the number of people who can cross at a time to keep things moving smoothly the first few days.
- Those who don't mind postponing their trip could wait until later this summer or fall.
- There may be lines to enter the path and at border processing, but pathway users have processing lanes separate from vehicles.
- Hours are 8am to 8pm through Oct. 31, and then 8am to 4pm through March 31. Access ends an hour before closing.
🛂 Crossing the border: Bring the documents you'd usually use to cross between Detroit and Windsor: passport, NEXUS card, enhanced driver's license or enhanced Michigan ID.
- It's free!
- Any gear you bring could be subject to usual inspection.
📍 Getting there: Don't expect to park at the port of entry and walk or haul out your bike.
- Detroit: You can park at the Clark Park trailhead, but it's 1.6 miles from the port of entry. Otherwise, find legal parking near the path's entrance at 6366 W. Jefferson Ave., or somewhere along the Detroit Greenways Coalition's cycling route.
- Windsor: Park at the Malden Park trailhead and enter at 4389 Sandwich St.
🚲 On the path: To cross one way, it should take you 20 minutes by bike or 45 minutes on foot, not including processing time. The steepest incline is 5%.
- Cyclists: Don't go too fast and give walkers the right of way. The speed limit is 12mph.
- Motorized wheelchairs and mobility scooters are allowed, while skateboards, roller skates, electric scooters, hoverboards and one-wheels are not.
- E-bikes are not allowed for the first few weeks.
🤔 Other details: The path is one lane, but accommodates two-way pedestrian traffic. It's 11.8 feet wide, with concrete barriers separating it from vehicles and unclimbable barriers to the river.
- Expect security cameras, lighting and emergency call stations.
- The highest point is 150 feet above the Detroit River.
- Pets are not allowed, other than service animals.
- Groups of more than 20 should provide notice of their intent to cross: [email protected].