The Gordie Howe International Bridge links Michigan and Ontario has yet to open. (Photo by: Jim West/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty ImagesA new multi-billion-dollar U.S.-Canada bridge was supposed to open in the next few days after years of construction and soap operas. Instead, it’s been delayed – again.A ribbon cutting ceremony for the new bridge had been scheduled for Friday. It has been delayed amid U.S.-Canada trade tensions. The actual date when commercial traffic will start isn’t known.The Gordie Howe International Bridge, was built at a cost of C$6.4 billion ($4.6 billion). It would be the third crossing between Detroit and Windsor, Ontario. It joins a Detroit-Windsor tunnel (connecting the downtowns of the two cities) and the privately owned Ambassador Bridge, which has been the main commercial link in the region.The new bridge, named after a famed Detroit Red Wings hockey player, was built by Canada in part to make automotive trade between the two countries easier.The Gordie Howe structure is owned by Canada and Michigan but Canada financed the bridge. Canada intends to get its money back via tolls. After that, tolls will be split. The privately owned Ambassador Bridge opened in 1929, according to the Detroit Historical Society.Since the early 2000s, Detroit International Bridge Co., owner of the Ambassador Bridge, conflicted with Canada.The Ambassador owner sought to construct a new bridge next to the existing structure. The idea: The new bridge would take over trade while the old bridge could be used for emergencies. MORE FOR YOUCanada, working with Michigan, wanted a new bridge, about a mile away from the Ambassador Bridge. The Gordie Howe bridge connects Interstate 75 in Michigan to an extension of Canada’s busy 401 highway.Earlier this year, U.S. President Trump said he had other ideas. On Feb. 9, in a post on Trump’s Truth Social, the president said he would “not allow this bridge to open until the United States is fully compensated for everything we have given them,” referring to Canada.With the announcement of Friday’s ribbon cutting ceremony, things appeared to be heading to a conclusion.Instead, the Gordie Howe bridge soap opera continues.
A U.S.-Canada Bridge Was Near The Finish Line; Now It’s Delayed
The new Gordie Howe U.S.-Camada bride seemed to be at the finishing line. Now? Not so much.
Gordie Howe International Bridge (C$6.4B, Michigan-Ontario) postponed opening due to trade tensions; Trump demands U.S. compensation before traffic. For automotive and tech supply chains, the delay signals infrastructure risk and cross-border M&A exposure amid trade escalation.










