Something wonderful is taking shape along the Detroit River, and it's about to make history. The Gordie Howe International Bridge, two decades in the making, is set to welcome its first visitors in early 2026, and it promises to be much more than just another way to cross the border.

Named after the legendary hockey player known for his ambidexterity on the ice, this graceful structure mirrors Howe's completeness with its own versatility. The bridge's elegant, bending approaches reflect the fluid skill of its namesake, who dominated the sport for the Detroit Red Wings and captured hearts on both sides of the border.

What makes this bridge truly special is its inclusive design. Thanks to community advocacy, the Gordie Howe Bridge joins an exclusive club of international crossings that welcomes pedestrians and cyclists alongside vehicles. "People didn't want us to lose a unique opportunity to design a new international crossing without considering the incorporation of a multiuse path for pedestrians and cyclists," explains Heather Grondin, chief relations officer for the project.

The engineering achievement is remarkable in its own right. When completed, it will boast the longest steel and concrete composite deck of any cable-stayed bridge worldwide. Six lanes of traffic—three in each direction—will be complemented by overflow parking zones at the ports of entry, a thoughtful feature designed to ease the congestion that has plagued the Ambassador Bridge and Detroit-Windsor Tunnel for years.

The bridge creates something even more valuable than efficient traffic flow: seamless connection. Vehicles will travel directly from Interstate 75 to Ontario's Highway 401 without encountering a single traffic light. This smooth integration of two highway systems represents the kind of thoughtful infrastructure that makes daily life better for thousands of commuters.

But perhaps the most heartwarming aspect is how the bridge will serve those traveling on foot or by bicycle. Rather than being an afterthought, the pedestrian and cycling paths connect to extensive trail systems along both banks of the Detroit River. These waterfront areas have been lovingly revitalized with charming parks, transforming the bridge into part of a larger recreational network that celebrates the natural beauty of the region.

The Gordie Howe Bridge will join the Peace Bridge, Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls, and the Thousand Islands Bridge as rare crossings that invite people to slow down, breathe in the river air, and experience the journey itself. Imagine cycling from one country to another, pausing mid-span to take in panoramic views of the Detroit River, knowing you're standing on a world-record-holding structure.

The roughly $4.4 billion project, financed by Canada, represents more than infrastructure investment—it's an investment in friendship between two nations. For the next 36 years, Canada will maintain the bridge while collecting toll revenue, a arrangement that showcases the collaborative spirit that has always defined the U.S.-Canada relationship.

As the bridge nears completion, it stands as a testament to what's possible when communities come together with vision and persistence. It connects not just two cities, but two hockey-loving nations, honoring a great athlete who belonged to both: born in Canada, beloved in Detroit. The Gordie Howe International Bridge will open in early 2026, ready to welcome a new generation of connections, memories, and shared experiences.