Gordie Howe Bridge Delayed
Gordie Howe International Bridge Opening Delayed, Prime Minister Carney Addresses Progress
The Gordie Howe International Bridge is days away from its ribbon-cutting ceremony, but it may not open to traffic on time. Prime Minister Mark Carney walked back a firm Friday opening on June 10, telling reporters, "If it takes a little longer, it'll take a little longer" — and insisting there is "no big drama." National Post reported the $6.4 billion CAD bridge connecting Windsor, Ont., and Detroit is facing last-minute delays despite a ceremony scheduled for June 12 at 1:00 PM ET.
The delay stems largely from U.S. federal agencies withholding final sign-off, a standoff tangled up in trade politics and a competing private bridge owner with ties to the White House. The stakes are enormous: the Windsor-Detroit corridor handles $94.2 billion in annual trade, according to CBC News.
Trump Demands Ownership, Threatening to Block Opening
In February 2026, President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that he would block the bridge from opening until the U.S. was "fully compensated." He falsely claimed the bridge lacked U.S. content and demanded "at least one half" ownership, according to CBC News. Canada already owns the bridge jointly with the State of Michigan on a 50/50 basis.
PM Carney called Trump on February 11 to set the record straight. He noted the bridge was built with U.S. steel and that the ownership split already meets Trump's stated demand. Still, U.S. agencies have not given the final green light, keeping the official opening date in limbo, The Calgary Herald reported.
Canada Paid Every Cent — and Gets the Tolls Back
Canada funded the entire $6.4 billion CAD project because Michigan's legislature refused to spend state money. In exchange, Canada keeps 100% of toll revenue until it recoups its costs. After that, tolls split 50/50 with Michigan. Passenger vehicles are expected to pay around $8 USD per crossing, according to CBC News.
The bridge is the longest cable-stayed bridge in North America, stretching 2.5 km with a main span of 853 meters. It was designed to ease the bottleneck at the 96-year-old Ambassador Bridge, which is privately owned and lacks direct highway connections, The Leader-Post noted.
Private Bridge Owner's $1M Trump Donation Raises Red Flags
Matthew Moroun, chairman of the competing Ambassador Bridge, donated $1 million to a Trump PAC in early 2026. Critics say he is using political influence to delay a rival crossing. Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens called Trump's social media posts "unhinged" and "preposterous," saying Canada had already met every legal and financial obligation, according to Stratford Beacon Herald.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has been in direct talks with White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles to push for an on-time opening. Whitmer said plainly, "It is important that it continues to move forward and open up on time. And that's my expectation."
Every Week of Delay Costs Millions in Lost Revenue
The Anderson Economic Group found that each week the bridge stays closed costs the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority roughly $5 million in lost toll revenue and taxpayers another $2 million in customs maintenance, according to Owen Sound Sun Times. Trucking companies are already paying between $20,000 and $100,000 extra per month due to border congestion.
Beyond trade, the bridge includes a 12-foot-wide pedestrian and cycling path — the first of its kind in the region. It is physically complete but locked to the public. The Detroit-Windsor corridor supports just-in-time auto manufacturing, with some plants receiving up to 1,000 trucks a day. A prolonged delay, analysts warn, keeps supply chain costs artificially high for both countries.
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