Key facts
- The Gordie Howe International Bridge connecting Detroit and Windsor, Ontario, is slated to open by late July.
- The bridge opening was delayed due to a dispute initiated by President Donald Trump's demands for U.S. ownership.
- A resolution has been reached, granting the U.S. 50% of toll revenue and veto power over significant toll increases.
- The $4.7 billion project was financed by Canada and construction began in 2018.
- The delay had become a political talking point in a U.S. Senate race.
The Gordie Howe International Bridge, a $4.7 billion project connecting Detroit, Michigan, and Windsor, Ontario, is expected to open by late July after a dispute resolution involving U.S. President Donald Trump. The bridge's opening was postponed from an early June date due to Trump's objections regarding financial arrangements and trade issues with Canada.
Michigan Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers announced Friday that U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick informed him an agreement had been reached, which will be announced in the coming days. The deal reportedly grants the U.S. 50% of the toll revenue and a veto right over any toll increase exceeding 10%. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney had previously confirmed Canada agreed to delay the opening at the request of the Trump administration.
Trump had cited Canada's refusal to stock certain U.S. alcoholic beverages, dairy tariffs, and trade talks with China as reasons for potentially blocking the bridge. The construction, financed by Canada, began in 2018. The new bridge aims to alleviate truck traffic congestion at the Ambassador Bridge, which handled $126 billion in commercial truck value in 2023, and is projected to save truckers $2.3 billion over 30 years.