New US-Canada bridge nears opening despite Trump threat to block it
Financed by Canada, the long-awaited Gordie Howe International Bridge is poised to open June 15
A new US$4.7 billion bridge connecting Detroit and Windsor, Ontario, is on track to open in the coming weeks, a bridge authority said on Monday, despite a threat by US President Donald Trump in February to block its opening.
A formal ribbon-cutting is expected later this week, a source told Reuters. Detroit media outlets reported on Monday the Gordie Howe International Bridge is expected to open to traffic on June 15.
Trump in February cited Canada’s refusal to stock some US alcoholic beverages on Canadian store shelves, Canada’s tariffs on dairy products and its trade talks with China as grounds for why he might not allow the bridge to open.
The Canadian embassy in Washington declined to comment as did a spokesperson for Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer. The White House did not immediately comment.
A spokesperson for the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority said the project team is progressing well towards an opening by June 21, “which will be a vital economic link between the two countries”.
Construction of the bridge, which began in 2018, was financed by Canada because the US refused to pay for it. The costs will be covered by tolls over 30 years.