At Permit America, we remain committed to providing timely, accurate information to help carriers navigate an increasingly complex transportation environment. Our team continues to monitor permit-related changes across the U.S. and Canada to keep you informed and prepared.

Michigan/Ontario: Gordie Howe International Bridge Opening Delayed

The highly anticipated Gordie Howe International Bridge connecting Windsor, Ontario, and Detroit, Michigan, is expected to provide major benefits for commercial transportation, including separate passenger and commercial traffic lanes as well as dedicated lanes for oversize loads.

Current toll rates are expected to begin at $12.00 CAD ($8.75 USD) per axle for hazardous materials and oversized vehicles. Carriers participating in the Breakaway program will qualify for discounted rates starting at $9.60 CAD ($6.90 USD) per axle. Discussions remain ongoing regarding what weight or dimensional thresholds may trigger additional fees.

Although construction appears substantially complete, Canadian and U.S. authorities announced in mid-June that the bridge’s opening will be postponed while remaining operational and policy matters are finalized.

Permit America contacted the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority regarding anticipated opening timelines, oversize/overweight permitting requirements, maximum dimensions, weight limits, and additional fee calculations. The Authority advised that policies are still being finalized and additional details will be released once available.

Illinois: Proposed Tollway Rate Increases to Fund $26.5 Billion Program

The Illinois Tollway recently unveiled Driving Connections, a proposed long-range capital investment program that would commit $26.5 billion over 15 years to improve roadway infrastructure, traffic flow, and system reliability.

The program is slated to begin in 2027 and continue through 2042. To fund these investments, the Tollway has proposed an approximate 30% increase in commercial vehicle toll rates. Beginning in 2029, toll rates would also be adjusted every two years based on inflation.

To help carriers evaluate future operating costs, the Illinois Tollway’s online trip calculator has been updated to display proposed 2027 rates as well as current rates.

The Tollway is currently accepting public comments regarding the proposed increase. Comments must be submitted by August 3, 2026, at noon.

Colorado: Online Purchasing of Temporary Trip and Fuel Permits Now Available

Colorado’s online permitting platform, COOPR, has expanded its capabilities to allow purchase of 72-hour unladen weight permits and special fuel tax permits, commonly known as temporary trip and fuel permits.

Previously, drivers had to obtain these permits at their first port of entry or coordinate directly with port personnel via phone or email. The new online functionality allows carriers to secure required permits before starting their trip, streamlining the permitting process and reducing administrative delays.

While temporary trip and fuel permits cannot currently be combined with an oversize/overweight permit, carriers can now receive these permits from Permit America in just minutes.

Louisiana/Mississippi: I-20 Eastbound Restriction Begins July 11

Carriers traveling between Louisiana and Mississippi should prepare for significant impacts on I-20 eastbound beginning July 11, 2026.

A bridge repair project at the Louisiana/Mississippi state line will impose an 11-foot width restriction while crews conduct finger-joint repairs. The project is expected to last approximately six weeks.

Oversize loads exceeding 11 feet wide may only travel through the area—with approval from the Louisiana Permit Office—on the following dates:

• July 23-24, 2026
• August 6-7, 2026

Once eastbound repairs are complete, similar work will begin on the westbound structure. Details regarding westbound restrictions will be announced as the project progresses.

Because I-20 serves as a major freight corridor connecting Louisiana and Mississippi, carriers should anticipate reroutes that may add substantial mileage, travel time, and operating costs. Early route planning is strongly recommended.

New York: HOOCS Mapping System Receives Major Updates

New York’s HOOCS online permitting system recently implemented significant mapping and roadway database updates designed to improve route accuracy and permit processing.

The update incorporates:

• Newly constructed roadways
• Removal of decommissioned routes
• Updated road names and intersections
• Recent bridge replacements
• I-87 corridor construction updates
• New roundabouts along NY-17 and NY-31

These improvements will provide more accurate routing and reflect current roadway conditions throughout the state.

North Carolina: Expanded Continuous Travel Eligibility

North Carolina has expanded its continuous travel provisions, creating greater flexibility for qualifying oversize/overweight carriers.

Under the updated policy, continuous travel is now permitted for vehicle combinations:

• Up to 112,000 pounds gross weight
• Up to 10 feet wide
• With no additional over-legal dimensions involving height or length

This authorization allows movement 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year for qualifying loads.

Carriers operating at widths greater than 8 feet 6 inches and up to 10 feet between sunset and sunrise must equip vehicles with at least two operational amber lamps positioned at the load’s widest points. These lights must clearly identify the load’s width and remain visible to approaching traffic from both directions.

Staying Ahead of Industry Changes

As infrastructure projects, permitting systems, and transportation regulations continue to evolve, proactive planning remains essential for successful oversize and overweight operations. Permit America will continue monitoring these developments and provide updates as new information becomes available.

For assistance with permits, routing, or compliance questions across the United States and Canada, contact the Permit America team via phone or email. We’re here to help keep your operations moving safely, efficiently, and compliantly.

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