Walk or bike across the new Gordie Howe bridge to Detroit starting today

You can now walk or cycle across the Canada-U.S. border on the newly opened Gordie Howe International Bridge. The toll-free multi-use path opened Wednesday, August 5, just over a week after the $6.4 billion bridge opened to cars, trucks, and commercial vehicles on July 27.

The 3-kilometre path connects local cycling and walking routes in both Windsor-Essex and Detroit. Pedestrians can walk, jog, or run; cyclists can ride bicycles, cargo bikes, folding bikes, or pedal-assist models (though e-bikes with motorized assistance won't be allowed for the first few weeks). Motorized scooters, skateboards, Segways, roller skates, and inline skates are prohibited.

Crossing the bridge should take about 20 minutes by bike or 45 minutes on foot. At its highest point, the deck sits 46 metres (150 feet) above the Detroit River, with concrete barriers separating path users from vehicles. The incline reaches roughly 5 percent in some areas.

The path operates from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. through October 31, then shifts to 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. from November 1 through March 31. Access closes roughly an hour before closing time to ensure everyone finishes their crossing within operating hours. Lines are expected during the opening days as the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority limits how many people can be on the path at once.

Bring your cross-border travel documents — a passport or NEXUS card. There's no parking at either port of entry. The bridge, named after hockey legend Gordie Howe, completed nearly eight years of construction and carries a 125-year lifespan.