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Bike path planned for new Gordie Howe Bridge

Posted at 4:16 PM, Mar 01, 2017
and last updated 2017-03-01 16:16:08-05

Ever wish you could just walk or bike on over to Canada from Detroit?

You soon will be able thanks to a mixed-use lane on the future Gordie Howe International Bridge.

Michael Cautillo is the President & CEO of the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority.

"This is nothing but good news for pedestrians and cyclists and visitors of this region," he said.

Plans include a path for two-way traffic for pedestrians and cyclists going across the 1.5 mile long bridge.

The path will run parallel to traffic, separated by a concrete barrier, with safety and security measures in place.

"People will have to go through a normal customs process, customs and immigration process, no different than if you were in a vehicle."

The bridge will also have a 10-foot wall preventing people from falling or jumping off the bridge.

It hasn't been decided if those using the mixed-lane will have to pay a toll, but officials say the extra traffic will help the local economy on both sides.

"More and more bike shops are opening up. We are seeing more tourism. People are coming to Detroit," said Todd Scott, the Executive Director for the Detroit Greenways Coalition. "You read these tourism articles about what to do in Detroit and almost all of them say 'get on a bike and ride around.' It's a great way to see the city."

Construction for the bridge is expect to start sometime next year and will take about four years to complete.