Ambassador Bridge cuts some tolls ahead of Gordie Howe opening

April 16, 2026

The privately owned Ambassador Bridge connecting Michigan and Canada has announced a nearly 50% toll reduction for its Premier Card members, lowering the rate from $10 to $5. 50 for passenger vehicles, in anticipation of competition from the new Gordie Howe International Bridge. This price cut comes just months after the Ambassador Bridge raised its tolls at the start of the year.

Who is affected

Drivers crossing between Michigan and Canada, particularly those enrolled in the Ambassador Bridge's Premier Card program
The Detroit International Bridge Company (privately owned operator of Ambassador Bridge)
Commercial vehicle operators crossing the international border
Michigan and Canada (joint owners of the Gordie Howe Bridge)
Pedestrians and cyclists who will gain a new crossing option
Participants in the Detroit Free Press International Marathon

What action is being taken

The Ambassador Bridge is implementing a toll reduction for Premier Card members from $10 to $5.50 beginning Sunday
Construction of the Gordie Howe International Bridge is ongoing with an expected spring opening
The Gordie Howe Bridge is offering a pre-paid program with automatic toll deductions through prepaid tags

Why it matters

This represents increased competition in cross-border infrastructure between Michigan and Canada, providing travelers with more options and lower costs. The publicly funded Gordie Howe Bridge will break the Ambassador Bridge's private monopoly on vehicular traffic at this crossing point. The addition of pedestrian and bicycle access fills a significant gap, as this will be one of only four border crossings between the U.S. and Canada allowing foot traffic, offering new mobility options for non-drivers crossing the international border.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: bridgedetroit.com