Gordie Howe Bridge Opens as US-Canada Trade Tensions Simmer
DETROIT-Traffic is set to begin crossing the Gordie Howe International Bridge on Monday, marking the opening of a major new transportation link between the United States and Canada despite heightened trade tensions that overshadowed celebrations for the multibillion-dollar project.
The six-lane bridge spanning the Detroit River is expected to strengthen trade, tourism and cross-border travel by providing a new commercial route between Detroit, Michigan, and Windsor, Ontario. The crossing ends nearly a century in which the privately owned Ambassador Bridge served as the only route for large commercial trucks between the two cities.
The bridge’s opening follows a ribbon-cutting ceremony held in Windsor last week to celebrate the completion of the project, which began construction in 2018. The event, however, was marked by diplomatic friction after Canadian organisers withdrew invitations to US federal and Michigan representatives following President Donald Trump’s announcement of 50% tariffs on Canadian goods entering the United States.
Named after Canadian hockey legend Gordie Howe, who played for the Detroit Red Wings and died in 2016, the bridge has long been viewed as a strategic infrastructure project designed to improve the movement of goods and people across one of North America’s busiest international borders.
According to the US Department of Transportation, more than 70% of Canada’s exports are destined for the United States, making the US its largest trading partner. The Detroit crossing is the busiest truck port along the US-Canada border, underscoring the economic importance of the new route.
Business groups have said the additional crossing will reduce congestion, improve efficiency and lower transportation costs for commercial traffic by providing an alternative to the Ambassador Bridge.
The new span stretches 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometres) across the Detroit River and reaches a height of 151 feet (46 metres) above the water at its highest point. Pedestrians and cyclists carrying the required identification will also be able to use the bridge free of charge in the coming weeks.
Construction was delayed in part by disruptions linked to the COVID-19 pandemic, extending the timeline of a project that ultimately cost an estimated US$6.4 billion. Canada financed the construction of the bridge.
Under a recent bilateral agreement, Canada will share a portion of toll revenues with the US government for 15 years. During the Windsor ceremony, President Trump said his administration had renegotiated the revenue-sharing arrangement, stating that the terms had been changed.
Michigan is also expected to receive a share of toll revenue, although only after Canada has recovered its construction costs, a process that is expected to take decades.
