Gordie Howe International Bridge to be open to pedestrians

Board members of the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority are making plans to accommodate cyclists and pedestrians on the Gordie Howe International Bridge.

The bridge is a joint project between Canada and the United States and is expected to cost between $1 and 2.2 billion.  Between nations, the bridge will stretch about 2 miles.

Due to the result of public consultation and many cyclists who frequently travel between countries, the Canada Border Services Agency and U.S. Customs and Border Protection have been cooperating.

WDBA director of communications Mark Butler spoke about the importance of this project to both countries.

“This project provides redundancy. It is the busiest international border crossing between Canada and the U.S.,” said Butler.

He went on to talk about the project length and how the Trump and Trudeau administrations pertain to the bridge.  He said early next year the public will be provided information on who will be constructing the bridge.

“We have been working on this project for over 11 years. The joint statement between Trump and Trudeau further certifies the importance of a new border crossing between these two countries.”

The Ambassador Bridge, prior to September 11, 2001, used to provide easy access to each border with opportunities to walk and cycle across.

Today there is still cycling lanes and pedestrian pathways on the bridge but maintenance and security is an issue.

Blaine Thomas, a cyclist who has lived in Windsor for 10 years, is excited for the Gordie Howe bridge development.

“Cycling is huge here. I think it is important to have an easier way about Canadians to cross the border without having to worry about the tunnel bus which is expensive once you buy a ticket both ways,” said Thomas.

“Not to mention the traffic on the Ambassador and tunnel that we experience every day.”

The plans for the new bridge have sparked many happy citizens and encouraged an already strong and healthy relationship between the Canadian-U.S. border in Windsor and Detroit.