Status Update on the Gordie Howe Bridge and Ongoing Legal Issues

The Gordie Howe International Bridge, which links Windsor, Ont., with Detroit, has been described as “essentially complete” since February. However, a significant lawsuit contesting Canada’s decision to construct the bridge may not go to trial until 2027 or 2028, according to a recently acquired federal briefing note.

This information comes from a heavily redacted briefing note created for federal Housing and Infrastructure Minister Gregor Robertson by deputy minister Paul Halucha.

The note is dated Feb. 17, 2026, and was obtained by via an access-to-information request.

“Construction of the GHIB is essentially complete. Remaining work includes [redacted] commissioning and testing of critical systems [redacted]. Opening could occur [redacted] pending final certifications and coordinated Canadian and U. S. agency readiness,” stated the document.

This briefing note was prepared shortly after U. S. President Donald Trump publicly threatened to halt the bridge’s opening, insisting that Canada wouldn’t be allowed to proceed “unless America gets a piece of it, too” – even though Canada financed and built the bridge.

The internal document also notes that over the last twenty years, the bridge has encountered 22 legal challenges from private owners of the competing Ambassador Bridge. Canada has won 19 cases, leaving three ongoing disputes, including a key case that an Ontario judge ruled will go to trial in late 2027 or early 2028.

In this case, the Canadian Transit Company operated by Ambassador Bridge’s owners claims that when Parliament established their company in 1921, it included an implied right against competition from another crossing.

The Gordie Howe International Bridge is silhouetted against an orange sky over the Detroit River between Windsor and Detroit. (Pratyush Dayal/CBC)

By constructing the Gordie Howe International Bridge, this lawsuit argues that Canada violated that right.

reached out to Torys LLP, representing Canada Transit Company in this matter. However, calls and emails went unanswered.

The other two active legal challenges include a NAFTA arbitration claim along with an Ontario court case where the federal government contests claims made by Ambassador Bridge’s owners regarding century-old franchise rights related to operating their crossing and building a new span.

Infrastructure Canada didn’t respond to questions about current legal battles concerning the bridge.

The document highlights how challenging it is to create a public crossing in an area long dominated by privately owned infrastructure like the Ambassador Bridge.

Laurie Trautman, director of Border Policy Research Institute at Western Washington University in Bellingham, Wash., noted that the Gordie Howe International Bridge demonstrates both economic and political hurdles associated with major cross-border projects.

“I think it tells us that even during good times it’s incredibly challenging,” she told during an interview. “And then during tough times – which I would say we’re currently experiencing between Canada and the U. S.- things can get quite messy.”

Trautman called Trump’s interference “pretty bizarre,” pointing out that construction was nearly finished with all essential approvals already received.

U. S. President Donald Trump said Canada would not be permitted to proceed with the Gordie Howe International Bridge ‘unless America got a piece of it too,’ despite it being funded and constructed by Canada. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)

She explained that this new bridge aims not only to enhance trade but also provide additional capacity where there’s been historically just one privately-owned crossing option.

“The border processing capabilities they’ve implemented-especially at U. S. Customs Plaza-should really help ease truck movement while hopefully reducing some congestion we see today,” Trautman mentioned.

According to Transport Canada data from 2021, more than $140 billion in merchandise trade passed through The Ambassador Bridge-that’s around $390 million daily-accounting for about a quarter of Canada’s road exports; that’s even more than total annual trade figures between U. S. and countries like Colombia or Chile!....

The briefing note indicates there’s already competition brewing over tolls for crossings as well-the new toll rates are set at $8.75 US per axle compared to $20 US per axle at the Ambassador Bridge ...

“The opening of GHIB is expected dramatically impact traffic patterns within Windsor-Detroit corridor-with both commercial & passenger vehicles likely shifting towards GHIB due its direct highway connections & modernized border facilities,” noted mentioned statement earlier cited above.

‘Can’t come soon enough’ for truckers

“Our members are eagerly awaiting its opening,” expressed Stephen Lakowski who heads up both Ontario Trucking Association & Canadian Trucking Alliance during his conversation with us here at !..

With just over two weeks left until summer arrives there’s renewed urgency surrounding preparations needed ahead before finally launching into action ; For those who’ve been following developments closely know we’ve seen delay upon delay thus far when compared against original plans laid forth two years back now.. as costs have ballooned upwards reaching whopping totals around $6 Billion overall affecting timelines somewhat drastically too!...

– WDBA representatives previously stated springtime remains targeted timeline but currently citing uncertainties stemming from ongoing litigations causing delays alike!”(Caleb Spassov speaking on behalf), says “Updates forthcoming as fresh info becomes available” continued he.”
Source link