Roughly 7,500 vehicles crossed the newly opened Gordie Howe International Bridge during its first 12 hours of operation on Monday, according to the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority.
The six-lane span connects Windsor, Ontario, and Detroit, linking Ontario's Highway 401 directly to Interstate 75 in Michigan.
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Travelers on both sides of the border made the journey on opening day to experience the new route, which is equipped with modern X-ray imaging facilities.
Travelers Share Excitement and Concerns
Southgate, Michigan resident Robert Pelowski was among the early travelers who crossed into Windsor after following the bridge's development since childhood.
"Just watching the structure go up from when I was a kid all the way up to today, standing here with all these people crossing in 2026 was absolutely amazing," said Pelowski.
"I had to be here to see one piece of history come to life."
Pelowski also expressed frustration over political debates surrounding the project, saying it has been used as a "political football" for profit.
Canadian travelers also made significant journeys to participate in the inaugural crossings.
Kyle Morrow and his son, Theo, drove from Cambridge, Ontario, on Sunday evening to be among the first Canadians to cross.
"The Gordie Howe Bridge is very special to us because Gordie Howe actually has a deep connection to Cambridge," said Morrow.
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"This should be much, much more than politics."
