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Or sign-in if you have an account.A growing chorus of U.S. politicians are calling for the Gordie Howe Bridge to be opened. Photo by Dan Janisse /The Windsor StarThe long-awaited Gordie Howe International Bridge has an opening date — again.Enjoy the latest local, national and international news.Exclusive articles by Conrad Black, Barbara Kay and others. Plus, special edition NP Platformed and First Reading newsletters and virtual events.Unlimited online access to National Post.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.Support local journalism.Enjoy the latest local, national and international news.Exclusive articles by Conrad Black, Barbara Kay and others. Plus, special edition NP Platformed and First Reading newsletters and virtual events.Unlimited online access to National Post.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.Support local journalism.Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one accountShare your thoughts and join the conversation in the commentsEnjoy additional articles per monthGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorLate on Friday, the Government of Canada confirmed that the span between Windsor and Detroit will open on July 27, “with the support of the United States Government.”“After years of planning, partnership, and construction, the Gordie Howe International Bridge will soon be opening — providing a new connection for the region, while strengthening one of the world’s most important trade corridors,” said Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada.“This nation-building project is a testament to what Canada can accomplish when we come together with a shared vision. Our gratitude goes to all the staff, workers, partners, and community members who were involved. The Gordie Howe International Bridge will create new opportunities, strengthen our economy, and bring economic benefits on both sides of border for generations to come.”Get a dash of perspective along with the trending news of the day in a very readable format.By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.The next issue of NP Posted will soon be in your inbox.We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try againIn the same written announcement, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer said the bridge “has always been a great deal” for her state.“Thousands of Michigan workers built this critical bridge, which will speed up auto production, lower costs, ease traffic, strengthen agriculture, and give people on both sides of the border better-paying jobs and brighter futures,” she said.“I’m proud to have fought for its opening and congratulate my partners who have worked on this issue alongside me for years. This bridge is a testament to the enduring partnership between Michigan and Canada and what we can get done when we think big and bet on our shared future together.“Thank you to our allies in Canada and to the Michiganders who advocated for years to get this done. Let’s keep working together to build a bright future for Michigan and Canada.”The news release posted to the Government of Canada’s website also said the two countries have “agreed to a series of cooperative measures focused on toll governance and transparency.”The Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority will also work collaboratively with the United States Government on “toll-rate adjustments, seeking concurrence for certain non-market related toll charges.”More information on those toll measures was not immediately available.Canada jointly owns the Gordie Howe with Michigan, even though Canada paid for the $6.4-billion bridge’s construction.Under the original agreement between both governments, Canada was to collect bridge tolls until its costs were recouped, after which revenues would be split with Michigan.Whether those terms have changed was not explicitly stated in Friday evening’s news release.Separately, governments have also agreed to make “investments in the region, including through the establishment of a 15-year economic development fund tied to a portion of profits from bridge operations,” the news release said.Earlier on Friday afternoon, U.S.media began reporting that the bridge would open this month.At the time, Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens told the Star an announcement related to the bridge is expected “in the coming days,” but he did not know of an opening date.Dilkens and other officials received invitations to a ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled for June 12. That event was postponed after the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority said both counties needed time to resolve “outstanding issues.”Republican U.S. Senate candidate Mike Rogers reportedly spoke of the bi-national deal during an interview Friday on WJR radio.“I had a conversation with the secretary yesterday, Secretary of Commerce Lutnick, and the deal will be announced in the next few days,” he said. “This is getting wrapped up. That bridge is going to get open.”The Star was not immediately able to reach MP Harb Gill (PC — Windsor West), who represents the riding where the bridge sits, for comment.Former Windsor West MP Brian Masse, who long fought for the border crossing, told the Star he had no information about the Gordie Howe’s opening. However, he said he thinks the extra attention the bridge has received recently was likely “very helpful.”“I’m not shocked we’re seeing something now,” said Masse.“Maybe industry is finally speaking up and saying we need to get this open for jobs and economic development.”Stephen Hargreaves, chair of the Sandwich Town Business Improvement Association, said news of an imminent bridge opening is exciting for his organization’s members, but it also comes with “incredible anxiety.”“We’ve heard this line before,” he said.“We’re all hoping that something behind the scenes has been quelled, or somebody has shaken hands about some concern.“We really hope that whatever situation was preventing this from happening, there has been a resolution.”With construction work essentially completed, the bridge’s fate became unclear after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened in February to block the crossing unless Canada agreed to renegotiate aspects of the agreement.Plans for a Gordie Howe International Bridge opening ceremony were then postponed in early June, just days after Prime Minister Mark Carney said the link between Ontario and Michigan would open by the end of that week, to allow for more Canada-U.S. discussions.The 2.5-kilometre cable-stayed span includes six traffic lanes and a multi-use path for pedestrians and cyclists.The bridge will add a third crossing between Windsor and Detroit, where $130- to $140-billion worth of annual trade travels across the border. The region is the busiest international land border crossing in North America.— With files from Sarah Grishpul Join the Conversation This website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. Read more about cookies here. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.