(WWJ) Canadian officials say the Gordie Howe International Bridge will officially open to traffic as early as noon on Monday, July 27.
The announcement was made Friday, as representatives from Canada, the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority and members of the Howe family gathered in Windsor, Ontario, to officially inaugurate the bridge at a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Speaking at the event, Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkins, said the bridge positions both Windsor and Detroit as the premier international gateway in North America for the next century..
"This region is the beating heat of Canada," Dilkins said. "And every day, our auto sector, manufacturing, agriculture and supply chains depend on us, and on the continuous, uninterrupted movement of goods and services across the border; a border that fuels Windsor, that protects Ontario, and a border that powers Canada."
Members of the Howe family are present at an event in Windsor today to celebrate the new Gordie Howe International Bridge.
Jeff Gilbert/WWJ
The mile-and-a-half long bridge was built over the past eight years — with its opening delayed for months as President Donald Trump and other political leaders sought to get a "better deal" for the U.S.
In a statement Friday afternoon, Trump made clear that he was not invited to Friday's ribbon-cutting.
He wrote, on Truth Social:
"Canada disinvited the United States of America to the opening of the Gordie Howe Bridge, which is fine, considering they are paying substantial TARIFFS to the United States, but the original Deal on the Bridge, which was terribly negotiated by a previous Administration, no longer stands. We changed the terms of the Deal so that the United States of America now gets 50% of the Profit. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP"
Designed with six bridge lanes, 16 toll lanes, and 60 Canada and U.S. inspection lanes, the new bridge features 720-foot (220m) towers among the tallest structures in the region, alongside the longest main span for any cable-stayed bridge in North America.
Speaking at Friday's event, Gordie Howe's son Murray said the bridge will serve as a symbol of a priceless bond and true friendship between the people of Canada and the U.S.
He said, "As a family, we are so grateful that our father was able to experience such a profound expression of love, reverence and gratitude in the twilight of his life. We are truly humbled by the immensity of this bridge, and even more so by the immensity of this honor."
When can I cross it?
- Officials say the Gordie Howe International Bridge will officially open to vehicle traffic on Monday, July 27, 2026, welcoming travelers as early as 12:00 p.m.
- Pedestrian & Cyclist Access: A toll-free multi-use path for walkers and cyclists will open on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at 8:00 a.m.
- The toll rate for a personal vehicle is $5.75 USD. There's a discount "Breakaway Plan" for people who will travel the bridge often. Get details toll rate information at https://gordiehoweinternationalbridge.com.
What does this mean for trade and the economy?
According to the Gordie Howe International Bridge Authority, the new bridge creates a direct, highway-to-highway connection between Ontario’s Highway 401 and Michigan’s Interstate-75, serving a corridor that handles $300 billion a year in trade between Michigan and Ontario.
Described as "one of the most significant infrastructure projects in North America, built through partnership, ambition, and a shared belief that investing in modern infrastructure builds a stronger future," the project has also delivered substantial local benefits. It contributed an estimated $1.3 billion to Windsor's GDP, invested in community infrastructure and neighborhood improvements, and supported youth with more than 455 student work placements.
Since construction began in October 2018, more than 15,800 workers logged over 20.1 million hours on the build. On-site Canadian and U.S. border, agricultural, and wildlife agencies have worked together to prepare their facilities and train staff for a seamless transition.
The project marks the culmination of more than two decades of collaboration and a generational investment in Canada's economic future. The Bridge Authority said:
"This bridge represents the kind of ambitious, nation-building infrastructure Canada is focused on. As we build Canada strong, the Government of Canada is making the investments needed to expand trade capacity, strengthen supply chains, and connect communities from coast to coast to coast."
WWJ Newsradio 950 will have continuing coverage of this story. Stay tuned for the latest updates, including information on when the pubic can begin using the bridge. >>LISTEN LIVE!!
Speaking at Friday's event, Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkins said the bridge positions both Windsor and Detroit as the premier international gateway in North America for the next century.
"This region is the beating heart of trade in Canada," Dilkins said. "And every day our auto sector, manufacturing, agriculture, and supply chains depend on us and on the continuous and uninterrupted movement of goods and services across the border;border that fuels Wndsor, that protects Ontario, and a border that powers Canada.
The mile-and-a-half long bridge was built over the past eight years — with its opening delayed for months as President Donald Trump and other political leaders sought to get a "better deal" for the U.S.
This is the first new crossing between Ontario and Michigan in over 60 years.
Designed with six bridge lanes, 16 toll lanes, and 60 Canada and U.S. inspection lanes, featuring the largest ports of entry along the Canada–U.S. border.
It features 720-foot (220m) towers among the tallest structures in the region, alongside the longest main span for any cable-stayed bridge in North America
