Gordie Howe bridge tolls announced, a sign it soon could open

The Gordie Howe International Bridge between Michigan and Canada isn’t open yet, but the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority has set tolls and is starting to sell what it calls a “Departure” tag or pass.

This could be a sign that the $4.7 billion bridge could open soon, despite arguments and threats from President Donald Trump on social media last month to block it.

The authority’s interim CEO, Chuck Andary, called the announcement on Wednesday, March 11, “an important step in preparing to open the bridge” and praised the program for being convenient and “customer-focused.”

Prices, which appeared lower than those on the privately owned Ambassador Bridge, which also crosses the border, included details on how to purchase the pass and toll lanes.

The authority offers a 25% fare discount for using the Breakaway pass.

The pass is a bridge version of the electronic “E-ZPass” that mounts to your windshield and takes your money without you even having to lower your window, and will initially be sold only to businesses.

One-way toll for passenger vehicles: US$5.75 or CAD$8 in US dollars. $4.35 with discount, $6 CAD. Toll per axle for commercial trucks: $8.75; $12 Canadian; discounted price is $6.90; $9.60 Canada.

Ambassador BridgeIt increased tolls in December, charging $10 for cars, buses and motorcycles, $20 for vehicles with trailers, $20 per axle for commercial vehicles, and $15 with the E-ZPass discount.

For now, the authority sells passes only to business customers.

More: Rep. Rashida Tlaib turns up pressure on Moroun over Trump bridge threat

United by hockey, divided by politics

The new bridge, a project jointly owned by Canada and Michigan, is named after the popular Detroit Red Wings player, himself a Canadian, who united the two countries through infrastructure and hockey.

And the Breakaway program, a hockey reference, aims to reduce tolls and speed up the time it takes to get through the toll lane.

In less than five seconds, the bridge authority said, the toll will be deducted electronically, the gate will open, and you’ll be on your way like a hockey quitter, with no defenders between you and the goalie.

However, it is not clear when the bridge will be opened.

Wednesday’s announcement only mentioned spring.

But last month the bridge sparked turmoil with Trump harshly criticizes Canadain a social media post. Michigan’s current governor and even its former governor are also weighing in on this issue.

Trump threatened to halt the opening of the bridge without Canadian concessions.

The next day, Governor Gretchen Whitmer said she spoke with Canadian officials about Trump’s remarks. And he said he’s had “many conversations” that will “continue.”

Former Governor But Republican Rick Snyder wrote an opinion piece There was a report in The Detroit News that said Trump was wrong about the Gordie Howe bridge and called it “a big deal for America.”

Soon after, news outlets reported that Matthew Moroun, whose family owns the Ambassador bridge, also contributed. for 1 million dollars Before Trump threatened to block the inauguration, MAGA Inc. There was a political action committee called.

Signing up for a toll pass

To get a Breakaway pass, businesses can sign up at: GordieHoweInternationalBridge.com at no cost. Registration is planned to be rolled out to other accounts “in the coming weeks.”

The bridge will offer a direct highway-to-freeway connection between Interstate-75 and Ontario’s Highway 401. The bridge will have six traffic lanes, 16 toll lanes and 60 U.S. and Canadian inspection lanes, the official said.

Toll lanes, like many major toll roads, will be divided into public lanes, passenger vehicle lanes for cars, SUVs and motorcycles, and commercial lanes for large trucks and other vehicles.

Some lanes will still have toll booth attendants, while others will be fully automated, officials said. Tolls can be paid with credit cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay.

For businesses seeking more information about the separation, the authority has scheduled two in-person meetings: March 23, 1-2 p.m., 1001 Woodward Ave., Suite 1400, Detroit; 1pm-2pm, March 25, 3745 North Talbot Rd., Oldcastle, Ontario; and a virtual event on March 27 starting at 1 p.m.

Contact Frank Witsil: 313-222-5022 or fwitsil@freepress.com

This article was first published in the Detroit Free Press: Gordie Howe bridge tolls set, ‘important step’ towards opening