In recent months, authorities have recorded over 60 incidents of vehicles traveling in the wrong direction on Highway 401 near the entrance to the Gordie Howe bridge in Windsor, Ontario. Since the bridge’s opening in July, there have been 64 reported cases of drivers going the wrong way on the 401, away from the bridge, according to a statement by the OPP on Wednesday.
Police are advising drivers to be vigilant of road signs and to stay calm if they mistakenly find themselves at the entrance to the new U.S. border crossing, rather than attempting dangerous maneuvers like making a U-turn or reversing on the highway.
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The OPP emphasizes that if a driver misses the last exit, they should proceed to the toll booths where Bridging North America officers will assist in directing them out through Gate 72 before reaching the bridge, avoiding the need to go through Customs. Failure to follow these instructions could result in a $110 fine or a serious accident, the OPP warned.
This is not the first time the OPP has issued a public advisory on this issue. Back in July, shortly after the bridge’s opening, the OPP provided similar guidance to drivers who unintentionally find themselves at the entrance to the crossing.
The Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA) acknowledged the learning curve for motorists adapting to new traffic patterns and access routes. The WDBA expressed full support for the OPP’s safety efforts and urged drivers to stay alert in the area.
Drivers who mistakenly enter the Canadian Port of Entry are instructed to proceed to a manned toll booth where staff will help redirect them, easily identifiable by overhead signage featuring a person icon.
We were actually listening to music and we missed the exits.Zahra Pirabi, Windsor resident
For some, the confusion surrounding the new crossing is not just theoretical. Windsor resident Zahra Pirabi shared her experience after inadvertently missing an exit while driving on Highway 401, emphasizing the need for clear signage to prevent such incidents.
Pirabi recounted how they continued to the toll booths where an employee guided them back to the correct route, highlighting the potential risks and uncertainties of accidentally entering the U.S.
