The Gordie Howe International Bridge is nearing completion, but its opening timeline remains uncertain following President Donald Trump’s February comments threatening to block the crossing from opening.
According to The Detroit News, construction and systems testing are expcted to be completed within days on bridge connecting Detroit and Windsor, Ontario.
The $4.7 billion project has been under construction for eight years and includes not only the international bridge but also new customs plazas and highway connections on both the Michigan and Ontario sides.
Before the bridge can open to passenger and commercial traffic, it must receive final approval from government agencies in the United States, Michigan and Canada, according to The Detroit News.
During a Senate Committee on Appropriate hearing last week, U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said the agency is fully prepared to facilitate trade and travel across the new crossings, CBS News reported.
However, the opening could face political headwinds. In February, Trump threatened to block the bridge’s opening following a trade dispute with Canada, stating that the country should “fully compensate” the United States for its support.
According to the Detroit News, securing approvals from the Federal Highway Administration and U.S. Department of Transportation would be difficult without the White House backing.
Under the original agreement, Michigan and Canada are equal owners of the crossing and will share toll revenue after Canada repays the debt incurred to finance construction. Canada fully funded the project.
The Gordie Howe International Bridge will become the third crossing between Windsor and Detroit, joining the Ambassador Bridge and the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel.
The cable-stayed structure, which features the longest man span of its kind in North America was reported to be 98% complete last October, when the public was told it would be ready to serve traffic in early 2026. Since then, the timeline has been pushed to spring of this year.
Sources: The Detroit News, CBS News
