The upcoming Gordie Howe International Bridge has announced significantly lower toll rates compared to the Ambassador Bridge. This move sets the stage for a competitive environment for cross-border traffic between Detroit and Windsor, particularly impacting commercial shippers and passenger vehicles.
Operators of the Gordie Howe Bridge revealed Wednesday that their tolls will be less than half the current fees at the Ambassador Bridge. This difference applies to both commercial trucks and passenger cars, marking a major shift in the region's transportation landscape.
Key Takeaways
- Gordie Howe Bridge tolls are less than half the Ambassador Bridge rates.
- Commercial trucks can save over $40 per crossing with discount programs.
- Passenger vehicle tolls start at $4.35 USD on the new bridge.
- The opening of the Gordie Howe Bridge is anticipated in early 2026.
New Toll Structure Revealed
Commercial shippers who enroll in the Gordie Howe Bridge's "Breakaway" discount program will pay $6.90 U.S. dollars per axle. This rate contrasts sharply with the Ambassador Bridge's A-Pass and E-ZPass rate of $15 U.S. dollars per axle.
For a typical five-axle semi-truck, this represents a substantial saving. Crossing the new publicly owned Gordie Howe Bridge could cost $40.50 less than using the privately owned Ambassador Bridge.
Passenger vehicles will also see lower prices. The Breakaway toll on the Gordie Howe Bridge is set at $4.35 USD per crossing. The minimum rate at the Ambassador Bridge is $10. Even the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel, another option, charges $6.75 to enter Windsor and $4.70 to enter Detroit.
Toll Comparison
- Commercial (per axle, discount): Gordie Howe $6.90 USD vs. Ambassador $15.00 USD
- Passenger Vehicle (discount): Gordie Howe $4.35 USD vs. Ambassador $10.00 USD (minimum)
Economic Impact and Expert Views
The Detroit International Bridge Co., which operates the Ambassador Bridge, did not comment on the new toll announcement. However, experts are weighing in on the implications.
"I don't think that they played off the toll increases that the Ambassador Bridge," said Roy Norton, Canada’s former Consulate General to Detroit from 2010-14. "I think they looked at the kind of standard fare, as it were, for that crossing over a lengthy period of time.”
Norton highlighted that commercial rates at the Ambassador Bridge were $5 U.S. dollars per axle for Class A trucks as recently as 2021. They have since increased by $10. He also noted that the Gordie Howe Bridge rates align more closely with the Blue Water Bridge, located northeast of the Ambassador. The Blue Water Bridge's rates were $5 Canadian dollars per axle, approximately $3.68 in U.S. dollars, on Wednesday.
Background on Bridge Competition
The Moroun family, owners of the Ambassador Bridge, have historically opposed the construction of the Gordie Howe Bridge. Economists from the University of Michigan-Flint and Michigan State University estimate the Moroun family could lose around $30 million annually in toll revenue once the new bridge opens. The impact on their related businesses, such as trucking and warehousing, is harder to quantify due to their private ownership.
Political Tensions and Local Initiatives
The toll announcement comes amid political conflict. Former President Donald Trump has threatened to delay the Gordie Howe Bridge's opening. He demands the United States be "fully compensated" by Canada. This stance follows lobbying efforts by Ambassador Bridge owner Matthew Moroun, who also made a $1 million donation to a political action committee supporting Trump.
Moroun's firm spent at least $250,000 lobbying the Trump administration in the latter half of last year. They spent $2.8 million on lobbying during Trump's first term. Despite this, Trump had previously supported the bridge, issuing a joint statement with then-Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in 2017, acknowledging its importance as an economic link.
Local Tax Adds Pressure
Adding to the pressure on the Ambassador Bridge, Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens is seeking permission to levy a temporary tax on commercial trucks using the Ambassador Bridge. This tax would manage road wear on an access road in Windsor. If approved, it would begin on May 1 and last until the Gordie Howe Bridge opens. This measure could further divert traffic away from the Ambassador Bridge.
Progress Towards Opening
Despite the political rhetoric, preparations for the Gordie Howe Bridge's opening continue. The opening timeline was adjusted to early 2026 last August, citing potential delays with the U.S. Customs Port of Entry.
The bridge authority recently stated it is testing toll systems, customs inspection procedures, and traffic management systems. A spokeswoman for the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority, Heather Grondin, confirmed progress toward an opening this spring.
“While an opening date has not yet been set for the Gordie Howe International Bridge, the project team is progressing well toward opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge this spring," Grondin said. "The exact opening date depends on the completion of our ongoing quality reviews and testing and commissioning activities. We will provide an update once that information is available.”
Chunk Andary, interim CEO and chief legal officer for the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority, emphasized the significance of the toll rate announcement. "Announcing our toll rates and launching Breakaway represent a significant step in preparing to open the Gordie Howe International Bridge to traffic," Andary said.
David Henderson, CEO of Bridging North America, the private group building and operating the bridge, echoed this sentiment. "As we complete testing and commissioning on the Gordie Howe International Bridge, the launch of toll rates and Breakaway marks another exciting step toward opening day in spring 2026," Henderson stated.
Breakaway Program Benefits
The Breakaway toll discount program aims to make crossings "faster and easier." Vehicles equipped with Breakaway tags will experience quick processing, with charges attributed to their accounts in less than five seconds. The program will initially be available for business accounts, with plans to expand to passenger vehicles. Businesses can join for free and receive unlimited tags. For those not in the Breakaway program, full-price tolls will be $5.75 USD for passenger vehicles and $8.75 USD per axle for commercial trucks.
- Faster Crossings: Breakaway tags enable sub-five-second processing.
- Free for Businesses: Companies can join the program at no cost and receive unlimited tags.
- Future Expansion: The program will eventually include passenger vehicles.
