The Gordie Howe International Bridge is now open to traffic, officially opening just before noon Monday.
The Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority spent the weekend coordinating between the Canada Border Service Agency, the US Border and Customs Protection Agency, government relations, and road crews to remove barriers and open the new crossing.
The first vehicle was driven across the bridge carrying members of Gordie Howe's family. Also, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer posted a video of herself driving a Detroit-built Ford Mustang over from the U.S. side.
[tweet id="2081766129559535732"]
Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield also marked the occasion.
"Today marks a historic moment for Detroit, for Windsor, and for the lasting friendship between the United States and Canada," said Sheffield in a statement. "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. I'm grateful to the thousands of skilled workers who built it, and to the many partners whose years of effort made it possible."
The 2.5-kilometre bridge has six lanes of traffic, 16 toll lanes, and 60 U.S. and Canadian inspection lanes.
As of 4 p.m. on Monday, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website showed traffic running with no delays reported.
The Canada Border Services Agency also reported no delays going into Windsor at the new crossing as of 4 p.m.
The Windsor Detroit Bridge Authority celebrated the opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony with Canadian officials on Friday.
The opening of the bridge was delayed several times. Construction began in 2018 with the opening originally planned for 2024. The global pandemic and widespread supply-chain interruptions caused delays.
"My Ag sector is really excited about [the opening]. Both the efficiency and even the financial advantages. Mainly efficiency, easier to move, modernized, all of that together is progress," said Warden Hilda MacDonald.
The multi-use trail for pedestrians and cyclists is scheduled to open at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, August 5.
"This is going to be a living entrance and exit to our country and have a history and will create memories and moments for people whether they're crossing by car, but also by bike or by walking and meeting friends and family on both sides," said Brian Masse, former MP for Windsor-West.
