Gordie Howe Bridge Walk Attempt Leads to U.S. Ban

A Canadian man with prior sexual assault charges who thought he would take a stroll across the Gordie Howe Bridge is now banned from entering the United States.

Is Walking Across a Bridge From Canada to Michigan Legal?

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Michigan connects to Canada through three main bridges and one major international tunnel. The bridges are the Ambassador Bridge in Detroit, the International Bridge in Sault Ste. Marie, and the Blue Water Bridge in Port Huron, along with the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel.

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As shown on the sign above, there’s a lanes for cars and several for trucks, but no designated pedestrian or bike path. That means it’s illegal to walk or bike across any of the three bridges connecting Michigan and Canada.

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A fourth crossing, the Gordie Howe International Bridge, has been built between Detroit, Michigan, and Windsor, Ontario, and is set to open in early 2026. Named after hockey legend Gordie Howe, the bridge will include a dedicated, free multi-use path for pedestrians and cyclists, separated from vehicle traffic. A passport or other valid travel document will still be required to cross.

One Canadian apparently didn’t get the memo that the Gordie Howe International Bridge isn’t open yet, and tried to cross into Michigan anyway.

Man With Criminal Record Detained at Detroit Border

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The Gordie Howe International Bridge isn’t open yet, border agents are still stationed on both sides to prevent anyone other than authorized construction crews from crossing, on foot or by vehicle.

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According to WOOD-TV, a 28-year-old Canadian man with several felony convictions was arrested in early March after allegedly attempting to walk across the Gordie Howe International Bridge into Michigan. The unnamed man reportedly has a history of convictions for sexual assault and theft.

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There’s no word on how the man managed to get past Canadian border authorities and walk onto the bridge, but U.S. Border Patrol agents arrested him, turned him over to Canadian officials, and permanently banned him from entering the United States again.

👇BELOW: These are Some of the Scariest Bridges in the United States👇

These are Some of the Scariest Bridges in the United States

Do you have gephyrophobia? It's a serious issue that can alter travel plans at any given time. These bridges are some of the scariest in the country to avoid if you have anxiety issues. There are a number of scary bridges in America, but it really comes down to what scares you most, height, water, or both.

Gallery Credit: Barb Birgy