A U.S.-Canada Bridge Was Near The Finish Line; Now It’s Delayed

InnovationTransportationA U.S.-Canada Bridge Was Near The Finish Line; Now It’s DelayedByBill Koenig,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. I write about the auto industry and its impact on almost everything.Follow AuthorJun 12, 2026, 06:00am EDTThe Gordie Howe International Bridge links Michigan and Ontario has yet to open. (Photo by: Jim West/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty ImagesA new multi-billion-dollar U.S.-Canada bridge was supposed to open in the next few days after years of construction and soap operas. Instead, it’s been delayed – again.A ribbon cutting ceremony for the new bridge had been scheduled for Friday. It has been delayed amid U.S.-Canada trade tensions. The actual date when commercial traffic will start isn’t known.The Gordie Howe International Bridge, was built at a cost of C$6.4 billion ($4.6 billion). It would be the third crossing between Detroit and Windsor, Ontario. It joins a Detroit-Windsor tunnel (connecting the downtowns of the two cities) and the privately owned Ambassador Bridge, which has been the main commercial link in the region.The new bridge, named after a famed Detroit Red Wings hockey player, was built by Canada in part to make automotive trade between the two countries easier.The Gordie Howe structure is owned by Canada and Michigan but Canada financed the bridge. Canada intends to get its money back via tolls. After that, tolls will be split. The privately owned Ambassador Bridge opened in 1929, according to the Detroit Historical Society.Since the early 2000s, Detroit International Bridge Co., owner of the Ambassador Bridge, conflicted with Canada.The Ambassador owner sought to construct a new bridge next to the existing structure. The idea: The new bridge would take over trade while the old bridge could be used for emergencies. MORE FOR YOUCanada, working with Michigan, wanted a new bridge, about a mile away from the Ambassador Brid...