Traffic is set to start flowing across a new bridge over the Detroit River, serving as a critical route for trade, jobs, and tourism between the US and Canada. The Gordie Howe International Bridge, named after the Canadian hockey icon, is a multibillion-dollar project that has been years in the making.
Background
The bridge is 1.5 miles long and rises 151 feet above the river at its highest point. It will provide a faster and less expensive route for large commercial trucks moving between the US and Canada at Detroit. Pedestrians and bicyclists carrying proper identification will be able to cross the bridge for free in a few weeks.
Canada paid to build the bridge at an estimated cost of $6.4 billion. A recent agreement says Canada will share some toll revenue with the US government for 15 years. Michigan will also get a share, but not until Canada’s costs are recovered, likely decades from now.
Original reporting: KCCI Des Moines — read the source article.
