The Gordie Howe International Bridge is set to open to traffic around noon Monday.
The Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority is coordinating between the Canada Border Service Agency, the US Border and Customs Protection Agency, government relations, and road crews to remove barriers and open the new crossing.
"If all goes according to plan, the signs will switch to open, the barriers will be gone, and at noon people can start crossing this bridge," said Chuck Andary, Interim Chief Executive Officer of the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority.
The 2.5-kilometre bridge has six lanes of traffic, 16 toll lanes, and 60 U.S. and Canadian inspection lanes.
The Windsor Detroit Bridge Authority celebrated the opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony with Canadian officials on Friday.
The opening of the bridge was delayed several times. Construction began in 2018 with the opening originally planned for 2024. Delays were caused by the global pandemic and widespread supply-chain interruptions.
"My Ag sector is really excited about [the opening]. Both the efficiency and even the financial advantages. Mainly efficiency, easier to move, modernized, all of that together is progress," said Warden Hilda MacDonald.
The multi-use trail for pedestrians and cyclists is scheduled to open at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, August 5.
"This is going to be a living entrance and exit to our country and have a history and will create memories and moments for people whether they're crossing by car, but also by bike or by walking and meeting friends and family on both sides," said Brian Masse, former MP for Windsor-West.
