DETROIT - Vehicles will begin crossing Monday on a fresh bridge over the Detroit River designed as a vital path for commerce, employment and visitors between Canada and the United States.

Canada hosted a ceremony last week in Windsor, Ontario, to mark completion of the Gordie Howe International Bridge after years of work on the costly project.

Officials from the U.S. and Michigan received no invitation to the Friday event following President Donald Trump's abrupt decision to impose 50 percent tariffs on Canadian imports.

The structure honors Howe, the Canadian hockey legend called Mr. Hockey who wore number nine for the Detroit Red Wings across the river and passed away in 2016.

Over 70 percent of Canadian exports head to the U.S., its top trading partner, while Detroit ranks first for truck crossings on the border per the U.S. Department of Transportation.

The Ambassador Bridge has handled all large commercial truck traffic between the nations at Detroit for nearly 100 years as a private facility. Companies expect the new six-lane crossing to offer quicker and cheaper travel.

The bridge stretches 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) and peaks at 151 feet (46 meters) above the water. Walkers and cyclists with valid ID can use it without charge starting in several weeks.

Work started in 2018 yet faced delays from the worldwide slowdown tied to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Canada funded the project at roughly 6.4 billion dollars. A new pact allows Canada to share toll income with the U.S. government across 15 years.

Trump highlighted the agreement via social media during the Ontario ceremony, noting that terms had been altered.

Michigan will receive a portion too, though only after Canada recovers its expenses, which may take many years.