Officials from the Government of Canada, the Ontario government, Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority, Bridging North America, and the family of NHL hockey legend Gordie Howe are marking a long-awaited ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Gordie Howe International Bridge.
(Photo of dignitaries at the Gordie Howe International Bridge ribbon-cutting ceremony by Maureen Revait)
They celebrated in true Canadian style by hosting a hockey game on the bridge’s deck.
The event was strictly a Canada-only occasion. After U. S. President Trump’s announcement about new 50 percent tariffs on Canada earlier this week, officials thought it best not to invite an American delegation.
(Photo of the Gordie Howe International Bridge by Maureen Revait)
This Friday’s celebration has been 25 years in the making. Discussions about adding a third border crossing between Windsor and Detroit started shortly after 9-11 when it became clear that more redundancy was necessary at the border.
It will be open to traffic starting noon on Monday and accessible to pedestrians and cyclists on August 5.
The bridge features six lanes for vehicles, 16 toll lanes, and 60 inspection lanes for both U. S. and Canadian authorities.
(A photo of the toll booths at the Gordie Howe International Bridge by Maureen Revait)
Construction began on this new bridge in October 2018. Approximately 15,800 workers contributed to its construction, logging over 20.1 million work hours. It is notable as the first border crossing built in six decades between Ontario and Michigan and is also recognized as North America’s longest cable-stayed bridge.
The bridge has already added $1.3 billion to Windsor’s Gross Domestic Product through investments in community infrastructure, neighborhood upgrades, and workforce development initiatives.
More updates coming soon.
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