Canada celebrated the Gordie Howe International Bridge on Friday, July 24, with a ceremony on the Windsor side ahead of the new crossing’s opening. The bridge connects Detroit and Windsor across the Detroit River, and it opens to the public in the days that follow. Here is when you can drive it and when you can walk or bike across.
Gordie Howe Bridge Opening at a Glance
| Celebration | Friday, July 24, 2026, ceremony on the Windsor side |
| Who spoke | Ontario Premier Doug Ford, Minister Gregor Robertson, Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens, and the Howe family |
| Opens to vehicles | Monday, July 27, 2026, at noon |
| Opens to walkers and cyclists | Wednesday, August 5, 2026 |
| The bridge | Gordie Howe International Bridge, connecting Detroit and Windsor |
| Cost | $6.4 billion, Canadian-financed |
Canada Marked the Milestone in Windsor
The celebration began at 11:30 a.m. on the Canadian side of the bridge. Ontario Premier Doug Ford spoke alongside provincial Transportation Minister Prabmeet Sarkaria, federal Housing and Infrastructure Minister Gregor Robertson, and Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens, with a member of the Howe family on hand to honor the bridge’s namesake, Detroit Red Wings legend Gordie Howe.
When the Bridge Opens for Driving
The Gordie Howe Bridge opens to vehicle traffic at noon on Monday, July 27, 2026. It is the region’s first new Detroit River crossing in nearly a century, linking I-75 in Detroit to Highway 401 in Windsor.
When the Bridge Opens for Walking and Biking
The bridge’s free multi-use path opens to pedestrians and cyclists on Wednesday, August 5, 2026. The 1.5-mile path runs separate from traffic, and you will need a passport, NEXUS card, or enhanced license to cross.