U.S. and Canada Finalize Ownership Terms for Gordie Howe Bridge

The opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge was delayed on Thursday after Canada and the United States agreed to resolve outstanding issues before traffic could begin. The Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority said both countries are taking the necessary time to address the matters. A scheduled Friday ribbon-cutting ceremony did not occur.

The 5-mile bridge spans the Detroit River and connects Detroit, Michigan, with Windsor, Ontario. It is jointly owned by Canada and Michigan and was expected to open to traffic later in June 2026. Invitations for the bridge’s opening went out the week of June 8-11, 2026, after Michigan Gov.

Gretchen Whitmer spoke with White House chief of staff Susie Wiles. A statement from Whitmer spokesperson Bobby Leddy said the governor looks forward to attending the ribbon-cutting ceremony when it happens. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick pushed back on the opening, according to two people with knowledge of the matter.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney stated on Wednesday that there is no big drama regarding the bridge opening. “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,” Carney said.

Sandy Baruah, president of the Detroit Regional Chamber, stated that the bridge is a long-term play. “If it opens July 1, Aug. 1 or Sept. 1, I’m not going to get overly agitated about it,” Baruah said.

U.S. Sen. Elissa Slotkin stated she is taking people at their word that the holdup is a minor hiccup. “This is probably the most bipartisan issue in the state of Michigan, so it’s ridiculous that we can’t just seal the deal,” Slotkin said.

Chuck Andary of the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority stated that Canada and the United States have agreed to delay the opening. “As we work towards an opening date, we are taking a collaborative approach, reflecting our shared ambition for this trade corridor,” Andary said. The bridge is a $4 billion project.