Nearly a quarter of U.S.-Canadian trade flows through a narrow border crossing between Windsor and Detroit. While the future of tariffs between the two nations remains uncertain, one thing is clear: The Detroit River has been a crucial conduit for commerce for more than a century. Yet, the region’s aging and congested infrastructure has long demanded a solution.
Enter the Gordie Howe Bridge, an ambitious project that will be the longest cable-stayed bridge in the U.S. when completed. However, its construction hasn’t come without drama, thanks to fierce opposition from the owners of its closest competitor, the Ambassador Bridge.
The Ambassador Bridge. Located just 1.8 miles from the Gordie Howe site, the Ambassador Bridge has been a critical trade artery since its opening in 1929. Spanning 1.4 miles, it carries thousands of trucks daily, connecting the U.S. and Canada. In 2023, more than six million vehicles used the bridge, highlighting its importance to trade and regional economies.
Privately owned for nearly a century, the bridge generates toll revenue exclusively for its operators. This arrangement has drawn criticism, particularly as its aging infrastructure struggles to handle modern traffic demands. Manuel Moroun, who owned the bridge until his death in 2020, was a controversial figure who fought aggressively to maintain his monopoly on cross-border traffic. More on Moroun below.
An alternative. The Detroit-Windsor Tunnel, another border option, opened in 1930 but offers limited capacity, with just one lane in each direction and restrictions on large trucks. Recognizing the need for an alternative, U.S. and Canadian authorities began planning a new bridge in the early 2000s. Construction began on July 17, 2018, under the name Detroit River International Crossing.
On the U.S. side, the Ambassador Bridge connects to the highway.
On the Canadian side, the Ambassador Bridge leads to a residential area. In the center of the picture are the toll booth and the border post. The rest is an ordinary neighborhood.
The new bridge. The Detroit River International Crossing was originally slated to open in 2024, but like many projects, the COVID-19 pandemic caused delays. The new target is fall 2025—a minor setback considering the scale of the project. When finished, the bridge will span 1.55 miles, feature six lanes, and include bike and pedestrian paths. The approximate cost of the project is $5.7 billion.
An engineering milestone. Construction of the Gordie Howe Bridge is nearly complete. Engineers from both the U.S. and Canada have collaborated at various stages of the project, and the two support towers are now finished. Once completed, it will be the longest cable-stayed bridge in the U.S.
Spanning 1.55 miles, the bridge will be 123 feet wide and rise 721 feet above the Detroit River. The main span, the longest between the support towers, will measure 2,800 feet. It won’t resemble other bridges that accommodate rail traffic, as the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel already serves that purpose.
Solving old problems. One of the Gordie Howe Bridge’s most significant advantages is its improved connections. On the Canadian side, it will link directly to Highway 401, eliminating the need to navigate residential streets—a common frustration with the Ambassador Bridge.
On the U.S. side, it will connect to Interstate 75, ensuring seamless highway access for freight traffic. This streamlined design will enhance the flow of goods and reduce congestion at the border.
The Gordie Howe Bridge will connect to the highway on the Canadian side.
Boycott attempt. The Gordie Howe Bridge’s construction was anything but smooth. Moroun and his heirs waged a decade-long campaign to halt the project. Their efforts included smear campaigns, legal challenges, and a $30 million ballot initiative aimed at stopping construction. Moroun even funded ad campaigns on Fox urging then-President Trump to oppose the bridge. Ironically, Trump approved U.S. funding for the project in 2019.
Despite these efforts, the bridge’s construction pressed forward. The Ambassador Bridge owners remain vocal critics, with ongoing lawsuits seeking damages for perceived losses.
A bridge with a story. Initially named the Detroit River International Crossing, the bridge was later rechristened the Gordie Howe Bridge in honor of the Canadian hockey legend. Howe spent much of his career with the Detroit Red Wings, symbolizing a connection between Canada and Detroit.
In 2010, the president of the Ontario Trucking Association proposed naming the bridge after Howe. When asked for his thoughts on the honor, the then-87-year-old hockey star humbly replied, “It sounds pretty good to me.” Howe passed away in 2016, leaving his name as a lasting legacy on this landmark project.
Images | Gordie Howe International Bridge | Google Maps
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