WINDSOR, Ontario (WXYZ) – Instead of a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday for the new Gordie Howe International Bridge, the structure stood unused.
The $4.7 billion project linking Detroit to Windsor, Ontario, aims to reduce border traffic jams, enhance the local economy, and lower travel expenses.
Watch Darren Cunningham’s video report below:
Gordie Howe International Bridge stuck in political gridlock
Currently, the bridge is caught in a political standoff. 7 News Detroit traveled to Windsor to chat with the mayor and residents about it.
Debbie and Iain Smith strolled along Windsor’s waterfront Friday afternoon.
As dual citizens who frequently travel between Grand Rapids and Toronto every few months for vacations and family visits, they expected a new way to cross the border by now.
“We’re not happy. We’re not happy with what’s going on over there (in the U. S.),” Debbie Smith said.
WXYZ
Iain Smith remarked, “We came in, and the toll to go through the tunnel is nine bucks. And I thought, ‘man, they need that bridge to get there and get a little competition to drive the prices down.’”
But that competition is currently on hold. The Trump administration postponed Friday’s ribbon-cutting of the bridge due to ongoing trade conflicts, as stated by Windsor’s mayor.
Iain Smith added, “There just seems to be a little bit of political leverage or theater around the negotiations, the tariffs and so on.”
Previous coverage: Gordie Howe Bridge opening delayed one day before planned ribbon cutting
Gordie Howe Bridge opening delayed one day before planned ribbon cutting
His wife chimed in, “It’s kind of turned into a pay-to-play situation, which is Trump’s thing, and I’m not happy about it. Canada paid for this new bridge entirely. Did they not?”
“So that bridge should be opening,” she argued.
Debbie Smith’s correct. Canada fully financed the $4.7 billion bridge and intends to recover that amount through tolls over 30 years. After that period ends, both countries will share toll revenues.
7 News Detroit spoke with Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens for clarity on what exactly is delaying the project.
“God only knows. Or should I say Donald Trump only knows,” he said.
WXYZ
Dilkens mentioned that there’s already a comprehensive trade agreement in place; however Washington wants it re-negotiated.
Dilkens said, “Donald Trump has cherry-picked steel and aluminum and autos and dairy and soft wood lumber-and it goes on-wanting each item dealt with separately even though we have a comprehensive agreement already in place. So I have no idea which specific issue is holding up the opening of the Gordie Howe Bridge.”
Related video: Gordie Howe’s son reflects on new bridge adding to Mr. Hockey’s legacy
Gordie Howe’s son reflects on new bridge adding to Mr. Hockey’s legacy
The mega-project was intended to ease significant border delays for truckers and logistics companies alike.
Yoven Noyadoo moves supplies for automotive production.
He commented,
“It’s really critical to have infrastructure that reduces downtime.”
PWatch below: 2025 report visiting
As the Gordie Howe International Bridge nears completion,
we visited the site to see progress being made.
Dilkens concluded,
“Despite one man and his stance and the ongoing closure of the Gordie Howe Bridge,
nothing will divide Americans from Canadians.
We’ll continue working together,
supporting one another, and we’ll get this bridge open eventually.”
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