Gordie Howe Bridge to open July 27 after Canada-US toll deal

Canada and the United States have agreed to open the Gordie Howe International Bridge on July 27, finalizing cooperative measures on toll governance that include a 15-year economic development fund tied to a portion of bridge profits, according to a statement from Ottawa released Friday. The Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority will coordinate with American officials on toll-rate adjustments, seeking concurrence for certain non-market-related changes, as both nations move to strengthen North American supply chains, support manufacturing sectors, and improve the movement of essential goods across the busiest international land border crossing on the continent.

Officials hail infrastructure milestone

Canadian Housing and Infrastructure Minister Gregor Robertson welcomed the imminent opening, stating that the new crossing will provide vital regional connectivity while strengthening one of the world's most important trade corridors. "After years of planning, partnership, and construction, the Gordie Howe International Bridge will soon be opening," Robertson said, describing the infrastructure as a testament to what Canada can accomplish when government and industry converge on a shared vision for economic growth.

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer emphasized the project's economic impact for both jurisdictions, noting that thousands of Michigan workers constructed the span over the Detroit River. "Thousands of Michigan workers built this critical bridge, which will speed up auto production, lower costs, ease traffic, strengthen agriculture, and give people on both sides of the border better-paying jobs and brighter futures," she said, characterizing the structure as proof of the enduring partnership between Michigan and Canada.

Trump claims revised arrangement 'great, and fair'

US President Donald Trump claimed credit for renegotiating the financial terms, writing on his Truth Social platform that he had cut a "MUCH BETTER DEAL for America, and by so doing, will be allowing the new and spectacular Gordie Howe International Bridge, spanning Detroit and Windsor, Ontario, to open on July 27th, as scheduled." Describing the previous arrangement as "unacceptable," he added: "The new deal is great, and fair. Thank you and congratulations to the Canadian Government."

The Gordie Howe International Bridge links Windsor, Ontario, and Detroit, Michigan — designed specifically to improve cross-border travel and freight movement beyond the capacity of existing crossings. Under the 2012 Canada-Michigan Crossing Agreement, Ottawa assumed the full cost of construction and will collect toll revenues until its investment is recovered, after which Michigan becomes eligible to receive 50% of net profits from bridge operations.