That new walking and biking path on the Gordie Howe International Bridge had a popular first day.
The bridge’s multiuse path attracted about 3,400 walkers, runners and cyclists on its opening day, Wednesday, Aug. 5, according to Manny Paiva, a spokesman for the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority. The path is free to use.
The authority, which noted that this is a new border crossing option, did not have an estimate ahead of time for the number of users anticipated on that first day or on a typical day in the future, but Paiva had said interest was expected to be high initially. That was proven by the long lines waiting on both sides of the border on Wednesday.
The path’s regular hours
are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. April 1 through Oct. 31 and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 1 through March 31. Access to the path ends an hour before closing. Users are required to bring appropriate travel documents.
A full list of restrictions and tips is available at https://gordiehoweinternationalbridge.com/toll/multi-use-path/.
The bridge opened to car and truck traffic on July 27.
Paiva said the authority isn’t providing more traffic volume numbers at this stage:
“With the bridge having opened only recently, we are focused on supporting a safe and reliable start to operations while continuing to monitor traffic patterns and customer use of the crossing. We are pleased to see so many travelers and commercial carriers beginning to use the Gordie Howe International Bridge. We will evaluate opportunities to share operational updates in the future.”
Eric D. Lawrence is the senior car culture reporter at the Detroit Free Press, and he also writes about recreational vehicles, boats and bikes. Send your tips and suggestions to elawrence@freepress.com. Become a subscriber. Submit a letter to the editor at freep.com/letters.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Gordie Howe bridge releases 1st day numbers for walking, biking path
