Pedestrians and cyclists will get their first look at the Gordie Howe International Bridge’s free, multi-use path on Wednesday as the bridge opens to active transportation at 8 a.m.
The Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA) is asking people to be patient as they wait for their turn to enter the path.
“With the anticipated high number of path users, expect line-ups entering the path and line-ups at border processing,” it wrote on its website.
“WDBA is limiting the number of people that can be on the path at any one time over the initial opening days to support smooth operations.”
The bridge authority estimates it will take people approximately 45 minutes to make the three-kilometre trek on foot from one border inspection booth to the other.
It estimates the same trip will take around 20 minutes by bike.
There is a posted speed limit on the trail of 20 kilometres per hour.
Both the bridge authority and the Canada Border Services Agency are reminding people to bring their travel documents onto the bridge even if they aren’t planning to cross into the United States.
Path-users who return to the Canadian side of the bridge will have to report to the Canada Border Services Agency before exiting, the agency said, and people without proper documentation could be held up while officials try to verify their identity and status.
The bridge authority is also reminding people that there is no on-site parking at either port of entry and is advising people to park at the Malden Park trailhead in Windsor or the Clark Park trailhead in Detroit.
