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Ambassador Bridge: A Gateway Between Two Nations

Spanning the Detroit River, the Ambassador Bridge is a vital international link facilitating trade and travel between the U.S. and Canada.

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The Ambassador Bridge, a historic suspension bridge connecting Detroit, Michigan, and Windsor, Ontario, stands as a vital international crossing and a symbol of trade and partnership between the United States and Canada. Opened in 1929, it has facilitated the movement of people and goods for nearly a century.

A brief summary to Ambassador Bridge

Local tips

  • Check current traffic conditions and border wait times before crossing, as delays can occur, especially during peak hours.
  • Ensure you have the necessary identification and travel documents to cross the border, such as a passport or birth certificate.
  • Be aware of toll rates, which can vary depending on the direction of travel and payment method.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From downtown Detroit, follow I-96 W/M-10 W and exit onto I-75 S toward Windsor. Merge onto the Ambassador Bridge, following signs for Canada. Ensure you have your passport ready for border crossing. The toll to cross into Canada is $9 USD. Parking is available at the Duty Free Store.

  • Public Transport

    From the Windsor Bus Station, take the Transway 4 towards the University of Windsor. From there walk approximately 4 minutes north towards the bridge. Please note that you will still need to pass customs at the border. Bus fare is approximately $3.25 CAD.

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Discover more about Ambassador Bridge

The Ambassador Bridge, soaring over the Detroit River, is more than just a means of crossing the border; it's a testament to international cooperation and engineering ingenuity. Connecting Detroit, Michigan, and Windsor, Ontario, this suspension bridge has been a crucial artery for trade and travel since its completion in 1929. Prior to the bridge's construction, the only options for crossing the Detroit River were by boat. Recognizing the need for a more efficient and reliable transportation link, a group of businessmen sought funding from Joseph A. Bower, a New York banker, who secured the necessary $23.5 million. Construction began in 1927, employing hundreds of workers and overcoming challenges such as faulty cable wires. Despite these setbacks, the bridge was completed ahead of schedule and opened to the public on November 15, 1929. The Ambassador Bridge quickly became the busiest international border crossing in North America. It currently carries over 25% of all merchandise trade between the United States and Canada. The bridge's economic impact is substantial, supporting thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in annual production in the Detroit-Windsor region. Its towers feature a lattice design, with the bridge name mounted on top. Motorists traveling on the bridge rise as high as 152 feet above the Detroit River. While primarily a functional structure facilitating international commerce, the Ambassador Bridge also holds cultural significance. Marriages have taken place on the international boundary, and various events and protests have occurred on the bridge throughout its history. Today, the Ambassador Bridge continues to serve as a vital link between the United States and Canada, playing a crucial role in the economies and lives of both nations.

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