The anticipated opening of the new Gordie Howe bridge linking Windsor, Ontario, and Detroit is poised to revolutionize the transportation of goods and travelers between Canada and the U.S. A recent analysis by the U.S. government sheds light on the potential impact of this new bridge on the busiest international trade route in North America.
The Department of Homeland Security predicts a significant decline in traffic at the nearby Ambassador Bridge once the Gordie Howe bridge becomes operational. Commercial traffic at the current bridge, which is privately owned and charges transport trucks a toll of at least $15 per axle, is projected to decrease from almost three million vehicles annually to around 1.6 million.
The Ambassador Bridge, owned by the affluent Moroun family of Michigan, has historically opposed the construction of the new bridge across the Detroit River. The family’s substantial donations to President Donald Trump and the Republican party, coupled with extensive lobbying efforts in Washington, underscore their resistance to the Gordie Howe bridge project.
Initially perceived as supportive of the new span, the Trump administration’s stance shifted when the President threatened to block the bridge’s opening unless Canada, the sole financier of the project, meets certain demands. The New York Times reported that Trump’s threat followed a meeting between Matthew Moroun, CEO of the Ambassador Bridge company, and a member of Trump’s cabinet in Washington.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, once operational, the Gordie Howe bridge is expected to attract the majority of commercial and passenger traffic in the region. It is estimated to capture 28% of passenger vehicle traffic and nearly 45% of commercial vehicle traffic among the four crossings. Consequently, the share of traffic at the Ambassador Bridge is projected to decline significantly.
Additionally, the underwater tunnel connecting Windsor and Detroit is forecasted to experience a notable decrease in passenger vehicle traffic once the Gordie Howe bridge opens. The tunnel, jointly owned by the City of Windsor, anticipates a drop in total vehicle crossings from 3.8 million to approximately 2.2 million annually.
Despite the impending traffic shifts, the tunnel’s CEO remains optimistic about the tunnel’s resilience and preparedness for the changing landscape brought about by the Gordie Howe bridge. The CEO expressed confidence in the tunnel’s ability to adapt to the new traffic patterns and maintain financial stability in the long run.