Gordie Howe’s family are the first to cross the bridge

Gordie Howe’s family are the first to cross the bridge

Cars, trucks will make their way back and forth after Canada-only Friday ceremony

Gordie Howe's family were the first passenger vehicle to go across the new international border span on Monday, says the Windsor Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA).

Tecumseh trucking company Onfreight Logistics is poised to be the first commercial vehicle to cross.

As it stands, ceremonies are set for 9:15 a.m. and 12 p.m. Monday.

How normal traffic will begin to flow — and when — remains up in the air.

Bridge officials say the standard passenger vehicle toll will be $8 ($5.75 US) to cross and $12 ($8.75) per axle for commercial trucks, oversized vehicles and larger passenger vehicles.

The span provides a highway-to-highway connection between Ontario’s Highway 401 and Michigan’s Interstate-75 — with six traffic lanes, 16 toll lanes and 60 Canada and U.S. inspection lanes.

Walkers and bike riders will be allowed to go over the Detroit River on the span starting Aug. 5.

The one-lane path will accommodate two-way pedestrian traffic. The path is 2.5 kilometres long and 3.6 metres wide and connects into existing local trail networks on either side of the border.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s is reminding travellers planning trips across the bridge to be prepared and to anticipate heavy traffic.

“Being prepared will help minimize delays at the port of entry,” the CBP said in a statement.

They say to have applicable travel documents readily available, and for crossers to accurately declare all goods, alcohol, and agriculture items. And that while legal in some states, marijuana remains illegal under U.S. federal law.

Bob Becken is with CBC's digital team. Previously, he was an executive producer with CBC Windsor, and held broadcast and digital news director duties with Bell Media and Blackburn Media. You can reach him at bob.becken@cbc.ca.