New Bridge to Canada Set to Open Ahead of Schedule

After years of construction, the first connection to Canada to the United States in more than 16 years will be open to the public in Michigan. But it will be the newest connection between Canada and Detroit, Michigan in almost a century.

After delays that pushed back the construction schedule, postponing a public opening date to sometime in October or November, officials are now anticipating the new Gordie Howe Bridge to open as early as September.

Why This Bridge Matters

The most recent Canadian connection came in 2009 in Calais, Maine, when the International Avenue Border Crossing was completed 16 years ago.

READ MORE: Gordie Howe Bridge set to Open this Fall

Michigan shares a land border with Canada, offering multiple convenient access points from the Upper Peninsula.

A Look Back at Michigan's Border Crossings

To get across Michigan's great rivers and lakes, we have constructed the Ambassador Bridge opening in 1929, the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel which opened in 1930, and the Blue Water Bridge with the first span opened in 1938. A second span was completed in 1997.

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But for Michigan residents who use Detroit as their route to get to Canada, this will be a game-changer. Now drivers will have three options to get to the Great White North.

When Will the Gordie Howe Bridge Open?

Earlier this year we saw the progress the construction crew has been making. When the initial reports indicated a late fall opening for the Gordie Howe Bridge, I was confused. Because aside from some paint lines and a few touches here and there, it looked like it was ready.

But when it comes to bridge safety we certainly want to defer to the professionals. Look for your new way to get to Canada from Detroit in September of 2025.