FILE – The Gordie Howe Bridge is shown under construction between Windsor, Ontario and Detroit, May 22, 2026.
Paul Sancya/AP Photo/Paul Sancya
DETROIT (AP) – The current tensions between the U. S. and Canada are overshadowing the excitement around an impressive project: a new six-lane bridge named after a legendary Canadian hockey player who played for the Detroit Red Wings.
After years of planning and spending billions on construction costs, the Gordie Howe International Bridge is finally set to open. It stands tall over the Detroit River and links Michigan to Ontario.
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A planned ceremony for Friday that would have gathered leaders from both countries in celebration has been canceled following President Donald Trump’s announcement earlier this week about imposing tariffs of up to 50% on many Canadian goods entering the U. S.
A representative for Canada’s infrastructure minister stated that joint celebrations now seem “inappropriate,” although there will still be a separate event held in Windsor. The bridge is anticipated to open for vehicle traffic on Monday and will allow pedestrians and cyclists starting August 5.
After years of planning and spending billions on construction costs, the Gordie Howe International Bridge is finally set to open. It stands tall over the Detroit River and links Michigan to Ontario.
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A planned ceremony for Friday that would have gathered leaders from both countries in celebration has been canceled following President Donald Trump’s announcement earlier this week about imposing tariffs of up to 50% on many Canadian goods entering the U. S.
A representative for Canada’s infrastructure minister stated that joint celebrations now seem “inappropriate,” although there will still be a separate event held in Windsor. The bridge is anticipated to open for vehicle traffic on Monday and will allow pedestrians and cyclists starting August 5.
This bridge aims to boost trade efficiency
Over seventy percent of Canada’s exports go to the U. S., making it their top trading partner. According to the U. S. Department of Transportation data, Detroit serves as the busiest port for truck traffic along the U. S.-Canada border. Article continues below this ad The items being transported-especially auto parts-are valued at billions. For many years now, the only route available for large commercial trucks traveling between Detroit and Ontario has been through the privately owned Ambassador Bridge by Moroun family’s Detroit International Bridge Co. The company has continuously challenged plans for building the Howe bridge due to concerns over losing its toll revenue monopoly while even supporting a referendum in Michigan back in 2012 but faced losses every time. Construction work on the Howe bridge kicked off in 2018 with funding provided by Canada. Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens mentioned that talks about creating an additional crossing began post-9/11 when officials wondered what might occur if something were ever to happen to the Ambassador Bridge. Increased trade was another motivation behind it. In Michigan’s case, the initiative was championed by Governor Rick Snyder before he left office in early 2019. Article continues below this adA Canadian group will manage operations
The operation of this bridge will fall under the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority established by Canada. A recent agreement specifies that some toll revenues collected will be shared with U. S. authorities over fifteen years while Michigan will also receive funds-but not until Canada’s expenses are fully recouped which could take decades down the line. “This will be one of the most technologically advanced bridges right when it opens up, and it’ll provide maximum certainty possible for those working in trucking,” Dilkens shared with in Canada recently while noting that “there’s plenty of excitement on both sides.”Tensions between Trump administration and Canada affect mood
> Yet any enthusiasm surrounding this project has been dampened somewhat due to ongoing friction between Washington D. C. and Ottawa.> Article continues below this ad> This week Trump made use of a section within Tariff Act dating backto1930 introducing tariffs up to fifty percent on selected Canadian goods accusing themof unfair practices against American products including automobiles, dairy items, and alcoholic beverages.> Ontario Premier Doug Ford expressed concern regarding potential trade conflicts suggesting negotiations may take place before these tariffs come into effect within thirty days ahead.> “Canada’s been very tough on us overtheyears , for manyyears, and no other president’s done anything about it.. Without us , there’s no way they can survive,” Trump commented defending his tariff actions.> Additonally , Trump criticized Canada concerning wildfires sending harmful smoke towards Midwestand East Coast citingpoorforest management as responsible. Ford noted such blame comingfrom U. S. officalswas shameful. “Maybe they should pay us some damages or something,” Trump remarked whose comments included suggesting duringhis second term kickoff that Canada oughtto consider becoming partof America itself.Associated Press reporter Joey Cappelletti contributed reporting outof Washington D. C. tothis article.
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