The opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, connecting Windsor, Ontario, and Detroit, Michigan, has been delayed. The bridge structure is complete, but it remains closed to traffic due to unresolved issues between the United States and Canada.
Project Status and Timeline
Construction on the six-lane, $4.6 to $4.7 billion bridge began in 2018. It was originally scheduled to open to traffic in early 2025. The Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority later announced a delay to a date later in 2026, citing "outstanding issues" that required resolution. A previously scheduled grand opening ceremony was canceled.
Ownership, Funding, and US Demands
The bridge is jointly owned by the Government of Canada and the state of Michigan. The Canadian government financed the construction costs.
Former US President Donald Trump posted on his social media platform on February 6, 2026, stating his intention to prevent the bridge from opening until the United States receives what he termed "full compensation" and until Canada treats the US with "Fairness and Respect." He suggested that the US "should own, perhaps, at least one half of this asset," referencing the revenue he stated would be generated by the US market. He also claimed that Canadian steel was not used in the bridge's construction.
The US Homeland Security Department designated the bridge as an official port of entry on January 30.
Statements from Officials
"There is no big drama. If it takes a little longer it will take a little bit longer, but this will benefit Canadians, Americans, business, tourists, residents for decades and decades to come."
— Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney
"This project is a powerful example of bipartisan and international cooperation, and the governor looks forward to attending the ribbon-cutting ceremony when it happens."
— Bobby Leddy, spokesperson for Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer's press secretary Stacey LaRouche stated that while Canada funded the project, the bridge is planned to operate under a joint ownership agreement involving Michigan and Canada.
Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) stated that "canceling this project will have serious repercussions," including "higher costs for Michigan businesses, less secure supply chains, and ultimately, fewer jobs."
Broader Context of US-Canada Relations
Former President Trump’s threat regarding the bridge occurred within the context of strained US-Canada relations. A trade dispute between the two countries had been ongoing, and the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) is scheduled for review in 2026. Trump has previously threatened to impose tariffs on Canadian goods.
Trump also made statements regarding Canada’s pursuit of a closer trading relationship with China. In his social media post, he claimed that China would "eat Canada alive" and made an unsubstantiated claim that a trade deal would lead to the termination of ice hockey and the permanent elimination of the Stanley Cup in Canada.
Competing Business Interests
Some Canadian politicians have suggested that the owners of the nearby Ambassador Bridge, the Moroun family, may be influencing the delay. The Moroun family has donated millions of dollars to Republican political causes, including $1 million to a political action committee aligned with Donald Trump.