Traffic to start flowing Monday across new bridge between Canada and US

DETROIT (AP) — Traffic will start moving Monday new bridge On the Detroit River that will serve as a critical route for trade, business and tourism between Canada and the United States

Last week, Canada celebrated the Gordie Howe International Bridge with a celebration. ribbon cutting ceremony in Windsor, Ontario, to celebrate the completion of the multi-billion-dollar, multi-year project.

Representatives from the USA and Michigan were not invited Friday’s meeting Following President Donald Trump’s sudden announcement 50% duty on Canadian goods He enters America.

The name of the bridge comes from Canada’s icon Howe. “Mr. Hockey” The one who wore number 9 while playing across the Detroit River for the NHL’s Detroit Red Wings. He died in 2016.

more than 70% Canada’s exports We go to the US and make America the largest trading partner and Detroit becomes the No. 1 port for truck traffic on the US-Canada border, According to the US Department of Transportation.

For nearly a century, privately owned Ambassador Bridge Detroit became the only route for large commercial trucks moving between the United States and Canada. Businesses say the new six-lane road will be faster and cheaper.

The span is 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) long and rises 151 feet (46 meters) above the river at its highest point. Pedestrians and cyclists carrying their ID cards will be able to cross this bridge free of charge within a few weeks.

Construction of the new bridge began in 2018 but took years due in part to the global slowdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Canada paid an estimated cost of $6.4 billion to build the bridge. Under a recent agreement, Canada will share some of its toll revenues with the U.S. government for 15 years.

Trump praised his administration for this agreement in a social media post while the Ontario event was ongoing. “We changed the conditions,” he said.

Michigan will also get a share, but that won’t be possible until Canada’s costs are recouped, likely decades from now.