The six-lane Detroit-Windsor crossing opens to traffic Monday after years of construction, with Canada saying the $6.4 billion project will be a key trade route despite tariff strains with the U.S.
Canada celebrated the completion of the Gordie Howe International Bridge on Friday before the six-lane Detroit-Windsor crossing opens to traffic on Monday, capping a multiyear project that officials described as a major piece of trade infrastructure. The bridge spans 1.5 miles across the Detroit River and is expected to add competition to cross-border freight flows that have long relied on the privately owned Ambassador Bridge for large commercial trucks at Detroit. The ceremony in Windsor, Ontario, proceeded without U.S. and Michigan representatives after President Donald Trump announced 50% tariffs on Canadian goods entering the United States this week, underscoring strains in the bilateral trade relationship. Canada paid for the bridge at an estimated cost of $6.4 billion, and a recent agreement provides for Canada to share some toll revenue with the U.S. government for 15 years, while Michigan is due to receive a share only after Canada recovers its costs, a process expected to take decades.