In recent months, over 60 incidents of vehicles driving in the wrong direction on Highway 401 near the Gordie Howe bridge entrance in Windsor, Ontario have been reported by the police. Since the bridge’s opening in July, there have been 64 cases of drivers heading in the wrong direction away from the bridge, according to the OPP statement released on Wednesday. To address this issue, drivers are urged to remain vigilant of road signs and stay calm if they find themselves unintentionally nearing the new U.S. border crossing.
The OPP emphasized the importance of not panicking if drivers miss the last exit and advised against making abrupt U-turns or reversing on the highway. Instead, drivers should continue to the toll booths, where Bridging North America officers will assist in exiting through Gate 72 before reaching the bridge, thus avoiding Customs processing. The consequences of failing to follow these instructions could result in a $110 fine or a dangerous collision, the OPP warned.
Previously, the provincial police had issued similar warnings shortly after the bridge’s opening in a bid to prevent such incidents. The Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority and the provincial transportation ministry have not yet responded to inquiries regarding the incidents or the effectiveness of the signage leading to the bridge. Additionally, the bridge had made adjustments to its signage above toll booths following confusion among drivers caused by symbols indicating lane types.