LANSING, Mich. (WZMQ) — The Gordie Howe International Bridge officially opened to traffic Monday, creating a new connection between Michigan and Canada after what Gov. Gretchen Whitmer called decades of hurdles.
Whitmer marked the opening by driving a Michigan-built Ford Mustang across the bridge, becoming one of the first people to cross the new international span.
The governor said her administration partnered with Canada to complete the project after years of challenges, including delays, political interference and COVID-19-related construction pauses.
“I ran for governor to build bridges between communities and make Michiganders’ lives better,” Whitmer said in a statement. “I’m proud to celebrate the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, which will do just that.”
The bridge connects Detroit and Windsor, Ontario, and is expected to strengthen the movement of people, goods and commerce across what state officials describe as North America’s largest trade crossing.
Whitmer said the bridge is both an engineering achievement and a symbol of the long-standing partnership between Michigan and Canada.
Michigan Department of Transportation Director Bradley Wieferich said the crossing will have lasting benefits for businesses and residents on both sides of the border.
“This bridge is a physical link between the state of Michigan and our most vital trading partner,” Wieferich said. “I cannot overstate the significance for the businesses and citizens on both sides of the border who rely on the timely movement of goods.”
According to the governor’s office, Whitmer worked with multiple federal agencies and congressional offices across three presidential administrations to ensure the bridge had the staffing, funding and operational support needed to open to traffic.
