The new Gordie Howe International Bridge between Windsor and Detroit will feature bike lanes and pedestrian access.

The Windsor Detroit Bridge Authority made the announcement this afternoon at Bike Windsor-Essex.

Infrastructure Minister Amarjeet Sohi applauded the news.

“Today’s announcement that the Gordie Howe International Bridge will include a non-motorized, multi-use pathway is good news for this important international project and especially for cycling enthusiasts in the Windsor-Detroit region,” said Sohi in a news release. “It is a great way to support clean urban transport.”

Sohi said he applauds the Windsor Detroit Bridge Authority “for their ongoing efforts to ensure public engagement on all aspects of this project, including working in partnership with Canada Border Services Agency and US Customs and Border Protection to make this path a reality.”

Dwight Duncan, chairman of the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority's board of directors, said in a statement that the bridge's new feature is a response to community demand.

"We have heard you loud and clear that the ability to cross the Gordie Howe International Bridge by bike or by foot is important to you," Duncan said. "The integration of a multi-use path will benefit the communities, as it will support active transportation, a healthy lifestyle as well as enhance cycle tourism across the border."

Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder also took to Twitter to celebrate the announcement, calling the inclusion of the path "wonderful news."

The bike and pedestrian access on the bridge is part of the RPF bidding process.

Three short-listed companies will need to include the extra lanes in their design-build proposals. The request for proposals have been active for a few months.

To make the project a reality, the Canadian government agreed to pay for all construction costs, including $250 million for the inspection plaza on the American side of the river, with a plan to recoup the costs through tolls.

The price of the new bridge, which is expected to be completed in 2020, is now pegged at $4.8 billion.