The long-awaited opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge has been delayed after Canada and the United States agreed to postpone the launch while remaining issues are addressed.
The announcement was made Thursday by Chuck Andary, Interim Chief Executive Officer and Chief Legal Officer of the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA), ending expectations that a ribbon-cutting ceremony would take place this week.
In a statement posted on the bridge authority’s website, Andary described the bridge as a critical economic link between the two countries and said officials are taking a collaborative approach as they work toward a new opening date.
“The Gordie Howe International Bridge will be a vital economic link for Canada and the United States,” Andary said. He added that both countries have agreed to delay the opening to allow additional time to resolve outstanding issues and ensure the project is fully ready for operation.
The bridge, which will connect Windsor, Ontario, and Detroit, Michigan, is expected to play a major role in strengthening trade and transportation between Canada and the United States once it opens.
Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens weighed in on the delay in a post on social media, linking the development to broader Canada-U.S. trade discussions.
“Although we would all like the Gordie Howe bridge to open, Canada need not fall on bent knee to make it happen. Get us a great trade deal Mark Carney!” Dilkens wrote.
No revised opening date has yet been announced.
