Officials are gathering Friday in Ontario to mark the upcoming opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, a new U.S.-Canada span over the Detroit River intended to boost trade and provide an alternative route between the two countries. The bridge is scheduled to open to traffic on Monday.
A joint celebration on the bridge deck was planned, but Canada opted against a shared event following the U.S. administration's recent announcement of 50% tariffs on Canadian goods. "It's regretful that we're at this point in time with our trade relationship. We're hopeful for better days ahead," said Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens.
The Detroit River crossing is poised to introduce competition for commercial traffic. For nearly a century, the Ambassador Bridge, a privately owned structure, has been the sole route for large commercial trucks traveling between the U.S. and Canada at Detroit. The U.S. Department of Transportation identifies Detroit as the top port for truck traffic along the U.S.-Canada border, with over 70% of Canada's exports destined for the U.S.
Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield acknowledged the bridge's economic importance, stating, "It will be vital for our economy." She had previously been invited to a joint event before the bilateral gathering was changed.
Construction on the six-lane bridge, named for the late Hockey Hall of Famer Gordie Howe, began in 2018. The project experienced delays, partly due to the global slowdown caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The structure spans 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) and reaches 151 feet (46 meters) above the Detroit River. Pedestrians and cyclists with proper identification will be able to use the bridge within a few weeks.
Canada financed the bridge construction, with an estimated cost of $6.4 billion. Under a recent agreement, Canada will share a portion of the toll revenue with the U.S. government for 15 years. Michigan is also slated to receive a share, though not until Canada recoups its construction costs, a process expected to take decades.