WINDSOR, Ontario (AP) – Officials are coming together Friday in Ontario to celebrate a new bridge connecting the U. S. and Canada over the Detroit River. This international link is expected to boost trade for both countries and provide travelers with an additional route.
A ceremony is happening in Windsor, Ontario, before the Gordie Howe International Bridge opens to traffic on Monday. It was meant to be a joint celebration on the bridge deck with representatives from both nations, but Canada opted against a shared event after President Donald Trump announced 50% tariffs on Canadian goods entering the U. S. earlier this week.
“It’s regretful that we’re at this point in time with our trade relationship. We’re hopeful for better days ahead,” Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens told WXYZ-TV in Detroit.
Over 70% of Canada’s exports go to the U. S., making it their largest trade partner, while Detroit ranks as the top port for truck traffic across the U. S.-Canada border, according to data from the U. S. Department of Transportation.
The Howe bridge will immediately introduce competition. For nearly a century, large commercial trucks have only had access through the privately owned Ambassador Bridge when traveling between Canada and the U. S. at Detroit.
Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield mentioned she was invited to attend a two-country event Friday before plans changed suddenly.
“It will be vital for our economy,” Sheffield said regarding the bridge while avoiding a question about whether it had turned into a “political football” due to tensions between the countries.
The bridge honors Howe, a well-known Canadian hockey player who played for NHL’s Detroit Red Wings until his passing in 2016. Construction began in 2018 and took several years partly because of delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
This six-lane bridge spans 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) and rises 151 feet (46 meters) above the Detroit River at its highest point. In just a few weeks, pedestrians and cyclists with proper identification will be able to cross it free of charge.
Canada funded construction of this bridge at an estimated cost of $6.4 billion. A recent agreement states that Canada will share some toll revenue with the U. S government for 15 years, while Michigan will receive its portion later once Canada’s expenses are covered-likely many years down the line.
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