First day sees 7,500 vehicles traverse new Gordie Howe International Bridge

Around 7,500 cars and trucks used the newly opened Gordie Howe International Bridge in its initial 12 hours, prompting enthusiastic reactions from early crossers.

The Gordie Howe International Bridge opened on Monday, immediately handling about 7,500 vehicles within its first half-day of operation, the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority reported. Among the first travelers was Robert Pelowski, who recalled hearing about the project in elementary school and said witnessing its completion was a personal milestone. Canadian families such as Kyle and Theo Morrow drove from Cambridge to be part of the inaugural crossing, while trucker Jim Pereira praised the direct link from Highway 401 to I-75 and the bridge’s advanced imaging systems.

Many early users cited the new span as a more convenient and less congested option compared with the century-old Ambassador Bridge, which has faced legal and political challenges involving figures like Donald Trump and the Maroun family. The bridge’s naming after hockey legend Gordie Howe also resonated with fans who see it as a cultural tribute beyond the politics. Overall, the opening marks a significant upgrade to cross-border infrastructure for both commuters and commercial traffic.