U.S. and Canada agree to open Gordie Howe bridge on 27 July

The United States and Canada reached an agreement that will allow the Gordie Howe International Bridge to open on 27 July. The $4.7 billion crossing between Detroit and Windsor, Ontario, had been scheduled for an earlier opening before the date was cancelled amid disputes between the two governments.

The new deal gives the U.S. government approval rights if tolls fall below regional averages. Canada financed construction and will share ownership and toll revenue with Michigan under a 2012 agreement.

Background on the project The bridge was intended to relieve congestion at the nearby Ambassador Bridge, which handles up to three million trucks a year. The older span has drawn safety citations and frequent delays that affect cross-border trade. The Trump administration had raised questions about U.S. compensation and staffing at the U.S. entry plaza.

A Department of Homeland Security official told a Senate committee in June that personnel were ready.

Political reaction Democratic Representative Rashida Tlaib said the earlier delay appeared intended to protect the owner of the Ambassador Bridge. A letter from congressional members accused the owner of seeking to block the project. The owner donated $1 million to a Trump political action committee in January and met with the commerce secretary in February.

The White House and the company did not respond to requests for comment.