Canada, U.S. open bridge July 27 after toll deal

Canada announced Friday evening that the Gordie Howe International Bridge will open July 27 after the two countries reached a deal on toll distribution. The 6.4 billion Canadian-dollar structure spans Detroit and Windsor, Ontario, and carries roughly $300 million in daily trade.

Construction began after Canada and Michigan signed an agreement nearly 13 years ago. The bridge was largely finished early this year but faced repeated postponements, including pandemic-related delays. In February, the President posted on social media that he intended to block the opening. A planned June ceremony was canceled after invitations had been sent.

Under the new arrangement, half of tolls after operating expenses will go into a regional economic development fund for the first 15 years. The United States will collect the money and the fund will be available only to Americans. The United States must also approve any toll increase above 10 percent. Previously, tolls were managed by an authority with representatives from Canada and Michigan.

“Thank you and congratulations to the Canadian Government. May we both have many years of success with this wonderful new development!!!”

A Canadian official said the deal allows the bridge to open after months of shifting U.S. explanations for earlier opposition. Michigan's government position softened after initial reservations. The Ambassador Bridge, owned by the same family since 1979, remains the main alternative crossing.

Drivers have sometimes diverted to a bridge 100 miles north because of maintenance issues and fare increases on the Ambassador Bridge.