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The United States and Canada have postponed the opening of the USD 4.7 billion Gordie Howe International Bridge connecting Detroit and Windsor, Ontario, despite the project being ready for launch. The delay comes after concerns raised by the Trump administration, although officials from both countries have not publicly detailed the outstanding issues. The bridge, financed by Canada and under construction since 2018, is expected to improve cross-border trade, reduce truck congestion, and lower transportation costs. Discussions between the two governments are ongoing as they work towards resolving remaining concerns before opening the crossing.
The United States and Canada have agreed to delay the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, a USD 4.7 billion infrastructure project linking Detroit and Windsor, Ontario, which was expected to open in the coming days.
A formal inauguration ceremony had been scheduled, but authorities confirmed that both countries decided to postpone the launch to allow additional time to address unresolved issues related to the project.
The Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority stated that Canada and the United States had mutually agreed to delay the opening while necessary efforts continue to resolve outstanding matters.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Canada accepted a request from the Trump administration to postpone the opening. He noted that both sides had agreed to take additional time to address remaining concerns, though specific details were not disclosed. Carney added that a short delay would be worthwhile given that the bridge is expected to serve cross-border travellers and businesses for decades.
Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens said officials wanted to see the bridge open but suggested Canada should not compromise its position simply to accelerate the process.
Meanwhile, Pete Hoekstra told local media that discussions with Canadian authorities are being led by him and U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. The White House has not publicly commented on the delay.
The bridge became the subject of political attention earlier this year when U.S. President Donald Trump indicated he could block its opening amid broader trade disagreements with Canada. Trump had cited issues including restrictions on some U.S. alcoholic beverages in Canadian stores, Canadian dairy tariffs and Canada's trade engagement with China.
The project has also drawn scrutiny because of the involvement of rival bridge owner Matthew Moroun, whose company operates the Ambassador Bridge, the long-established crossing between Detroit and Windsor. Moroun reportedly met with U.S. officials earlier this year and had donated USD 1 million to a political action committee aligned with Trump. Some U.S. lawmakers alleged that efforts were made to influence decisions regarding the new crossing in order to protect commercial interests. The Detroit International Bridge Company did not comment on the matter.
Construction of the Gordie Howe International Bridge began in 2018 after years of planning and political negotiations. Canada financed the project after the United States declined to contribute funding. The investment is expected to be recovered through toll revenues collected over a 30-year period.
Government officials have indicated that operational preparations are largely complete. During a Senate hearing held in the past week, Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said the department was prepared to provide staffing for the new crossing.
The bridge is expected to play an important role in North American trade. It will help reduce truck congestion on the Ambassador Bridge, which serves as the busiest commercial crossing on the U.S.-Canada border. According to trade data, commercial trucks moving through Detroit handled goods worth approximately USD 126 billion in 2023.
A study by the University of Windsor found that the new crossing could reduce travel times by around 20 minutes per trip and generate savings of approximately USD 2.3 billion for trucking operators over the next 30 years.
The delay comes amid continuing trade tensions between the United States and Canada. Since returning to office, Trump has imposed higher tariffs on Canadian imports and has repeatedly questioned aspects of the trade relationship between the two countries. He also indicated in the past week that the future of the North American free trade framework involving Canada and Mexico could be reviewed.
Source Reuters
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