The Gordie Howe International Bridge linking Ontario and Michigan will officially open on July 27, according to confirmation from the federal government.
On Friday, Canada and Michigan reached an agreement to launch the bridge with backing from the United States government, as stated in a news release from the Department of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities shortly after 7 p. m.
“To support this opening and ensure that benefits are felt on both sides of the border, Canada and the United States have agreed to a series of cooperative measures focused on toll governance and transparency,” the release said.
“[As] well as investments in the region, including through the establishment of a 15-year economic development fund tied to a portion of profits from bridge operations.”
WATCH | Opening date set for Gordie Howe International Bridge:
Gordie Howe bridge set to open by end of July: sources
A deal has been finalized for the Gordie Howe International Bridge connecting Windsor, Ont., and Detroit, Mich., which will be opened by the end of July, as confirmed by two sources.
“The Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority will also work collaboratively with the government of the United States on toll-rate adjustments, seeking concurrence for certain non-market related toll changes.”
The six-lane cable-stayed bridge spans about 2.4 kilometres over the Detroit River between Windsor, Ont., and Detroit, Mich.
This bridge is named in honor of Canadian hockey legend Gordie Howe, who played for 25 seasons with the Detroit Red Wings.
Construction has been ongoing since 2018, funded by Canada.
A ribbon-cutting event that was supposed to happen on Friday, June 12 was delayed earlier that week.
Prime Minister Mark Carney mentioned on June 11 that U. S. officials requested a delay in opening and Canada “agreed to delay the opening and take the necessary time to resolve outstanding issues.”
In February, U. S. President Donald Trump posted on social media demanding that Canada hand over at least half ownership of the new bridge to U. S. authorities along with other unspecified requests amid trade disputes between countries.
WATCH | The Gordie Howe International Bridge will still cost $6.4 billion:
$6.4B price tag for Gordie Howe bridge has not gone up, even with delays: WDBA
The projected cost for Canadian taxpayers regarding the Gordie Howe International Bridge remains at $6.4 billion since it was first established back in 2024 despite delays in its opening as explained by Emma Loop from CBC Windsor.
The toll bridge is jointly owned by Canada and Michigan and aims to reduce congestion at both Ambassador Bridge and Detroit-Windsor tunnel.
Detroit and Windsor have shared close ties for years; people frequently cross this river border for leisure activities or shopping purposes.
Commercial traffic between these cities mainly relies on the nearly century-old privately-owned Ambassador Bridge.
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