Truck accidentally enters closed Gordie Howe International Bridge from U.S. side

Canada’s border agency confirmed Wednesday, Oct. 22, that last month a transport truck trying to drive onto the Ambassador Bridge accidentally drove into the Gordie Howe International Bridge from the U.S. side, which is set to open in early 2026.

The truck was intercepted by CBSA officers before arriving at the Canadian port of entry on Sept. 29, but was never able to enter Canada due to “multiple security barriers, including extensive fencing to prevent people from crossing the border by mistake,” Canada Border Services Agency spokesman Luke Reimer said in an email.

No one was injured in the incident and the Canada Border Services officer did not draw his or her firearm, Reimer wrote.

“The actions taken by CBSA officers demonstrate the integrity of the security measures and infrastructure and established oversight,” he wrote.

The Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority confirmed the missing driver arrived at the bridge “project site” and initially received instructions from North American Bridge Safety personnel on how to return to the Ambassador Bridge. The driver remained confused “given the size and complexity of the construction site” and eventually had to be stopped and redirected by Canadian border officials on the bridge.

More: Gordie Howe Bridge opening delayed until early 2026, officials say

Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority spokesperson Tara Carson wrote that the Gordie Howe International Bridge “remains closed to traffic,” and that the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority has verified that all signs and GPS systems indicate the bridge is closed.

The Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority did not immediately respond to a follow-up inquiry from the Free Press regarding whether there was a physical blockade of the Gordie Howe International Bridge to stop incoming traffic.

The Free Press previously reported that while construction of the Gordie Howe International Bridge is nearing completion, officials with the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority said the bridge’s opening has been delayed until early 2026 to complete “ongoing quality review, testing and commissioning” and allow enough time for border agencies to be ready to manage the new bridge. Once open, the bridge will connect Detroit and Windsor.

This article originally appeared in the Detroit Free Press: Truck accidentally drives into closed Gordie Howe International Bridge