The long-awaited opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge is now scheduled for July 27, marking the end of years of construction and months of uncertainty.  

The Canadian government announced in a news release that the bridge connecting Detroit and Winsor, Ontario will open to the public on July 27, according to ClickOnDetroit.

A June ribbon cutting for the bridge was postponed after Canada and the United States agreed to take the “necessary time to resolve any outstanding issues,” following President Donald Trump’s February threat to block the bridge’s opening during a trade dispute between the two countries.  

The third international crossing between the two cities—joining the Ambassador Bridge and the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel—was originally expected to open in late 2024 before being delayed to late 2025, and then to spring 2026.

A revised cross-border agreement

The July 27 opening of the 1.5-mile bridge follows Trump’s announcement that the United States reached what he called a “much better deal” after negotiations with Canada, according to The Hill.

Reuters reported that the revised agreement gives the United States half of the bridge’s toll revenue and authority to approve any toll increase exceeding 10% of the current rate.  

Under the original agreement, Canada financed construction of the $4.5 billion crossing and would have shared toll revenue with Michigan after repaying the debt incurred to build the bridge. Canada and Michigan remain joint owners of the crossing.

In addition to the bridge itself, the project includes new U.S. and Canadian ports of entry and upgrades to the Michigan Interchange.

According to ClickOnDetroit, Canadian officials said the new ports of entry feature “advanced screening and border management technologies” making the crossing one of the most secure land border facilities in North America.

The six-lane, cable-stayed bridge is named after legendary Detroit Red Wings player Gordie Howe, a Canadian native whose career symbolized the close ties between Michigan and Ontario. The bridge’s distinctive towers were designed to resemble a hockey stick in mid-slapshot.

Sources: ClickOnDetroit, The Hill, Reuters