Ambassador Bridge cuts some tolls ahead of Gordie Howe opening

Ambassador Bridge cuts tolls nearly 50% for ‘premier’ member passengers amid growing competition
New rates follow a recent increase earlier this year for drivers
The Gordie Howe Bridge will open soon, offering lower prepaid toll rates for travelers

The new Detroit bridge wars are heating up, with the Ambassador Bridge announcing it will cut tolls ahead of the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, which will similarly connect Michigan and Canada.

The privately owned Detroit International Bridge Company, which operates the Ambassador, is preparing for a nearly 50% toll rate reduction for passenger vehicles enrolled in its Premier Card program.

Beginning Sunday, drivers enrolled in the pre-paid program will pay $5.50 to cross the bridge via car, bus or motorcycle, down from $10. All other toll rates remain the same.

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The announcement comes just months after a toll increase at the Ambassador, which had raised rates at the beginning of the year to $10 for cars, buses or motorcycles and $15 to $20 per axle for commercial vehicles.

The new discounted toll rate for Premier Card members will still be slightly more expensive than announced rates for the Gordie Howe Bridge’s pre-paid program, which will start at $4.35 for passenger vehicles and $6.90 for larger vehicles.

The Gordie Howe program is a roughly 25% discount for businesses, commuters and occasional travelers. Drivers who add a prepaid tag can pass through any open lane with tolls automatically deducted.

Gordie Howe nears open

Officials have not yet confirmed an opening date for the Gordie Howe Bridge, which will be jointly owned by Michigan and Canada. The span is expected to open this spring despite President Donald Trump’s threat to block it amid a trade dispute with Canada.

Once open, it will be the only bridge between Michigan and Canada that allows pedestrian and bicycle traffic, and one of the few crossings between the two countries with dedicated space for walking and biking. Currently, only the Peace Bridge, Rainbow Bridge, and Thousand Islands Bridge permit foot traffic.

Last month, officials announced new details for the path, which will be a single lane supporting two-way traffic for both pedestrians and cyclists. It will stretch about 1.5 miles and measure nearly 12 feet wide.

Those using the multi-use path will enter through a separate access point from vehicles. Walkers and cyclists will not have to pay any tolls but will still need to show valid identification, such as a passport or enhanced driver’s license.

Despite a new bridge taking shape over the Detroit River, the city’s oldest international marathon is expected to keep its current route.

Runners in the Detroit Free Press International Marathon cross into Canada via the Ambassador Bridge and return through the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel, a course that organizers do not plan to change anytime soon.