DETROIT (WWJ) -- A big ribbon-cutting party planned for Friday to celebrate the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge has been called off.
The Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority made the announcement Thursday morning, saying that Canada and the United States have agreed to delay the opening of the bridge, allowing time to resolve some "outstanding issues."
The complete statement, issued by Chuck Andary, Interim Chief Executive Officer and Chief Legal Officer, Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA), reads:
“The Gordie Howe International Bridge will be a vital economic link for Canada and the United States. As we work towards an opening date, we are taking a collaborative approach, reflecting our shared ambition for this trade corridor.
Canada and the United States have agreed to delay the opening of the bridge, taking the necessary time to resolve any outstanding issues. We appreciate the efforts of workers on both sides of the border to get the bridge to its current state of readiness.”
The bridge is jointly owned by Canada and Michigan, with Canada financing the $5.7 billion project.
The Canadian government plans to recover the funding through toll revenue.
While officials have not said exactly the holdup is, there's speculation that is has to do with President Donald Trump.
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.
In a statement on X, Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens wrote: "Although we would all like the @GordieHoweBrg to open, Canada need not fall on bent knee to make it happen. Get us a great trade deal @MarkJCarney!"
Approached for a reaction at an unrelated event on Thursday, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer told WWJ's Jon Hewett, "The bridge is done. Michigan is ready to move forward, and we're hoping that we can do that in the next few days or weeks... It's a great source of pride. You know, thousands of Michigander have worked on it using American-made steel. It's a great story of what's possible, and I'm hopeful we can get it back on track and open it soon."
Was she surprised that the ribbon-cutting was canceled? "Yes and no," the governor said, although she did not give an answer as to why it happened. "I don't have anything more to share; I don't," she said.
Visiting the WWJ Newsradio 950 studios in May, former Gov. Rick Snyder said all of this was settled long ago, and President Trump should not be getting in the way of the opening.
"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.
