Gordie Howe International Bridge recorded more than 41,000 vehicle crossings from the United States into Canada in its first five days of operation, according to Statistics Canada on Tuesday.
Traffic volumes in first week
During the period from July 27 to July 31, the bridge saw 18,900 return trips by residents of Windsor heading back from Detroit. 18,100 American drivers entered Canada via the span and 4,100 commercial trucks followed the same route.
For comparison, the region's older crossings, the Ambassador Bridge and the Windsor‑Detroit Tunnel, together handled 52,700 inbound trips over the same five‑day window.
Financing and political backdrop
The $6.4 billion structure was fully funded by the Canadian government under a revenue‑sharing pact with Michigan. The original plan called for Canada to recover its investment before sharing toll revenue, but objections from the Trump administration prompted a revised agreement that splits revenues for the first 15 years. The change has drawn scrutiny from both sides of the border.
Political leaders marked the opening as a symbol of cooperation. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer crossed the bridge on day one, and U.S. Senator Elissa Slotkin posted a video praising the project as a tangible sign of the trade and manufacturing ties that bind the two neighbours.
For Canadian businesses, the new crossing promises reduced congestion on the Ambassador Bridge and the tunnel, potentially lowering transport costs for manufacturers in Ontario. Analysts note that toll revenue will be a new source of cash flow for both governments, and investors are watching how quickly traffic grows to assess the bridge's financial outlook.
Authorities plan to monitor usage patterns closely and will adjust toll rates as demand evolves. If the early numbers hold, the bridge could become a key conduit for cross‑border trade, easing pressure on existing infrastructure while reinforcing the economic link between Canada and the United States.
Based on reporting by Global News.