New Gordie Howe Bridge Promises Trade Boost, Easier Commutes

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After years of planning and construction, the new Gordie Howe Bridge connecting Detroit, Michigan and Windsor, Ontario is nearing completion. The $5.7 billion project has employed over 15,000 workers since breaking ground in 2018 and is expected to significantly increase trade and commerce between Canada and the United States once operational.

Why it matters

The Gordie Howe Bridge is a critical piece of infrastructure that will facilitate trade and travel between the two countries. Nearly one-third of all truck trade between Canada and the U.S. currently moves through the Windsor-Detroit corridor, making this new bridge an important economic driver for the region.

The details

Construction on the Gordie Howe Bridge began in October 2018 and has employed over 15,000 workers to date. At the peak of construction in 2023, as many as 3,000 workers were on site daily across the bridge, the two ports of entry, and a new Michigan I-75 interchange. Over 40% of the workers hired were from the local Windsor-Essex and Detroit communities.

• Construction formally began in October 2018.
• As of August 2025, around 19 million worker hours had been logged on the project.
• At peak construction in the summer of 2023, as many as 3,000 workers were on site daily.

What’s next

The Gordie Howe Bridge is expected to be fully operational in late 2026, providing a much-needed boost to cross-border trade and travel between Canada and the U.S.