Ambassador Bridge and the Detroit River

State of the Strait 2024

The new Gordie Howe International Bridge set to open in Fall 2025 is expected to boost tourism on both sides of the border by linking cycling and walking trails in Detroit and Windsor.  The new bridge will have a safe and separated walking/biking lane for people to use to cross the bridge, free of charge. 

A lot of work has been done on both sides of the border to improve access to the bridge by connecting trails to the bridge entrance/exit on both sides.  Public transportation to the entrances in being discussed, to enable all people to be able to access the bridge and trails. 

On October 22, 2024 the State of the Strait Conference was held at the University of Windsor.  This conference is a binational conference held every two years and this year's theme was "Cross Border Trail Tourism".  Panelists from both sides of the border discussed plans, issues and progress surrounding tourism in each community. 

Read the full story in the Windsor Star

The 2024 State of the Strait Conference was recorded.  You can watch the entire proceedings below:

 

Thank you to everyone who sponsored, attended and participated in this year's State of the Strait: Cross-Border Trail Tourism conference. We had visitors come from near and far to participate in this engaging event that we hope will inspire and achieve a better future for the Detroit River and western Lake Erie.

A few Snapshots from the 2024 State of the Strait Conference, Oct. 22, 2024:

2024 State of the Strait conference

2024 State of the Strait Conference

2024 State of the Strait conference

2024 State of the Strait Conference

 

 

See Full Conference Program

Campus Maps

Campus Parking

 

                 Save the Date Poster for SOS 2024 Conference

 
The State of the Strait is a binational (Canada-United States) collaboration that hosts a meeting every two years to bring together government managers, researchers, students, environmental and conservation organizations, and concerned citizens. Participants work to understand historical ecosystem conditions and assess current ecosystem status in order to achieve a better future for the Detroit River and western Lake Erie.
 
For more information, please contact John Hartig (jhhartig@uwindsor.ca), Lori Newton, Bike Windsor Essex (lori.newton@me.com), or Todd Scott, Detroit Greenways Coalition (todd@detroitgreenways.org), Conference Co-Chairs.

 

Can't come to the State of the Strait Conference in Person?  Join us for the Free State of the Strait Virtual Viewing Location - Live viewing in Detroit, Michigan!  Please E-mail Dayna Hart (see flyer below) to register.

Registration flyer for State of the Strait 2024 Detroit Mexican Town Viewing event

 


Sponsors

Canada - Consulate General

Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research

 

 

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