DETROIT (WWJ) -- A major milestone for the Gordie Howe International Bridge: There's a ribbon cutting set for this Friday, according to reports by the Detroit News and Detroit Free Press.
Both news outlets cited "sources familiar with the matter," with the Freep adding that Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, as well as former Gov. Rick Snyder — who made the deal with Canada to build the bridge — are slated to attend, along with Canadian dignitaries.
The Gordie Howe Bridge is a massive international crossing spanning 1.5 miles over the Detroit River, connecting Detroit, Michigan, and Windsor, Ontario.
Construction on the $4.58 billion ($6.4 billion CAD) project began in July 2018, aimed at bypassing local city streets and providing an uninterrupted highway link to ease severe commercial traffic bottlenecks.
Built without any support piers in the water, its signature cable-stayed design boasts the longest main span of its kind in North America and includes dedicated, toll-free paths for pedestrians and cyclists in both directions.
WWJ's Tim Pamplin reported Monday that construction and testing are now complete.
As for when it will actually open? Some published reports say it could happen on Monday, June 15.
Jason, from Southwest Detroit, says it can't happen soon enough.
"You get backed up at the Ambassador Bridge, we need it for interstate commerce. And it shouldn't hurt, most definitely!" he said, speaking to Pamplin in Delray Park, at the foot of the bridge. "I look forward to walking across it."
It's unclear what exactly the holdup has been, but it's largely political, by some accounts.
Earlier this year, the Trump administration hit the brakes on the opening, after claiming our Canadian neighbors were not properly compensating the U S. for the bridge,
Visiting the WWJ Newsradio 950 studios in May, former Gov. Rick Snyder said President Trump is way off base on the topic.
"I think President Trump got a lot of misinformation," Snyder told WWJ's Jackie Paige. "The Marouns (who own the Ambassador Bridge) have been donors. They're giving information to the Trump Administration that gets passed on to the president.. Most of that information isn't accurate."
"The bridge should open! The bridge is a great asset and resource that will create jobs, make our economy in Michigan stronger and better, and help our entire nation — in addition to our partners in Canada," Snyder said. "The Canadians have been wonderful partners; they paid for this bridge. Michigan didn't put up a dime." [Read more]
Stay with WWJ for the latest updates as we continue to following this developing story.
Detroit News says the bridge will open on June 15
Detroit News says the bridge will open on June 15
