Dozens of drivers went wrong way on Highway 401 since Gordie Howe bridge opened: OPP

Ontario Provincial Police urged drivers to pay closer attention to traffic signs when approaching the Gordie Howe International Bridge in Windsor, Ont., after dozens of cars were seen driving the wrong way on the nearby stretch of Highway 401.

Police said there have been 64 incidents involving wrong-way drivers on the highway since the bridge opened in July.

“We believe it to be driver error," OPP Const. Stephanie Caron said Thursday. "Missing the exit and then not wanting to continue through, believing that they will have to go through customs."

Police said drivers who miss the exit before the bridge should not panic, make a U-turn or reverse down the highway to avoid getting on the new border crossing to the United States. Drivers can head toward the toll booths and staff there will let them out at a gate so they can avoid approaching border customs, OPP said.

Drivers who don’t want to enter the United States are asked to exit the highway at Ojibway Parkway, or Exit 1.

Police are warning that the consequence of driving the wrong way is "either a $110 ticket or a deadly crash."

The Gordie Howe bridge saw more than 270,000 crossings in August, its first full month of operation, Statistics Canada data showed.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 15, 2026.

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