Six-Lane Gordie Howe Bridge Set to Boost Cross-Border Travel Between Canada and the US

A new six-lane international bridge built across the Detroit River to strengthen cross-border transportation between Canada and the United States is set to open soon after receiving final approval from both countries. The bridge is expected to significantly improve the movement of people and goods across the border. The cable-stayed bridge has been designed with separate lanes for heavy vehicles, two-wheelers and pedestrians. Measuring approximately 2.5 kilometres in length, 123 feet in width and 272 feet in height, the structure will connect the Canadian city of Windsor with Detroit in the US state of Michigan. It will also serve as a key transportation link between Canada's Highway 401 and the United States' Interstate Highway 75. Construction of the bridge began in 2018 and was completed over eight years. The new crossing will replace the nearly 90-year-old Ambassador Bridge, which has struggled to handle the growing volume of cross-border traffic. It is also the cable-stayed bridge with the longest main span in North America. The bridge has been named after legendary American ice hockey player Gordie Howe. Built at a cost of approximately 6 billion dollars, the project was jointly funded by Canada and the United States, with both countries sharing the expenses equally. Similar to the privately owned Ambassador Bridge, motorists using the new bridge will be required to pay a toll. The construction company had originally planned to open the bridge on June 1. However, the launch was delayed due to certain concerns raised by both countries. With those issues now resolved and official clearance granted, the bridge has been formally approved for opening. According to the company, the official inauguration date is expected to be announced within the next one or two days. The bridge is likely to be opened to the public during the third or fourth week of July.