The Gordie Howe International Bridge linking Windsor, Ontario, and Detroit, Michigan, is expected to open to commercial traffic by the end of July after Canadian and U.S. officials reached an agreement to resolve issues behind a month-long delay, according to The Associated Press. Two people involved in the negotiations said traffic should begin crossing before Aug. 1, although officials have yet to announce a new ribbon-cutting date.
The Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority postponed a ribbon-cutting ceremony planned for June 12, saying both countries needed additional time to address “outstanding issues.” The delay followed earlier threats from U.S. President Donald Trump to prevent the bridge from opening.
In February, Trump called for Canada to transfer at least half of the bridge’s ownership to the United States and raised other unspecified demands amid broader trade tensions between the two countries. Canada financed construction of the project, while Canada and Michigan jointly own the crossing.
Republican U.S. Senate candidate Mike Rogers discussed the reported agreement during an interview Friday.
“I had a conversation with the secretary yesterday, Secretary of Commerce Lutnick, and the deal will be announced in the next few days,” Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers said Friday on WJR radio. “This is getting wrapped up. That bridge is going to get open.”
Construction on the 1.5-mile, or 2.4-kilometre, bridge began in 2018 and cost close to $4.4 billion. Former Republican Michigan governor Rick Snyder helped negotiate the project.
Named after Canadian hockey legend Gordie Howe, who spent 25 seasons with the Detroit Red Wings, the bridge will provide another major transportation route between two closely connected manufacturing and automotive centres.
The toll crossing is expected to reduce congestion at the privately owned Ambassador Bridge and the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel, which currently carry passenger and commercial traffic between the neighbouring cities.
The opening delay also entered Michigan’s closely watched U.S. Senate race. Democratic candidate Mallory McMorrow, who has since withdrawn, sought to place political responsibility for the dispute on Trump and Republican candidates.
Officials are expected to formally announce details of the Canada-U.S. agreement in the coming days, including the bridge’s opening schedule and plans for a rescheduled ceremony.
