WINDSOR, Ontario (WXYZ) — The Gordie Howe International Bridge is set to open to traffic Monday around noon, following more than 8 years of construction, over 20 million hours of work, and $6.4 billion in investment — even as trade tensions between the U.S. and Canada continue to simmer.
Watch Simon Shaykhet's video reports:
As it stands on Friday morning, the international crossing is set open to traffic on Monday, but U.S. officials still have not confirmed that will happen.
Watch Randy Wimbley's video reports on the reaction in America:
Canadian officials and the Howe family gathered Friday on the Windsor, Ontario side of the border to celebrate the milestone. U.S. officials were not invited. Canada withdrew from a planned joint ceremony after President Trump announced a 50% tariff on most Canadian goods. It remains unclear whether the U.S. will hold its own ceremony or whether the Monday opening will proceed as planned on the American side.
See the full ribbon cutting ceremony in the video below
Ontario Premier Doug Ford called the bridge a generational achievement.
"The Gordie Howe international bridge is more than a new landmark on the Detroit River skyline. It's an example of what we can achieve when our two great countries work together," Ford said.
Ford also addressed the economic stakes of the crossing.
"I know that both Canadians and Americans are better off when we work together instead of standing apart," Ford said.
The Windsor mayor also spoke to the importance of the bridge for trade.
"We want more trade not less. More jobs not fewer. An abundance of opportunities not a scarcity of potential," the mayor said.
Related: Everything you need to know about crossing the Gordie Howe International Bridge
The 1.5-mile span moves more than $274 million in trade per day through the gateway between Windsor and Detroit. The bridge connects directly to I-75 in the United States and Highway 401 in Canada, and is expected to support the $82 billion in cross-border trade that Michigan and Ontario conduct every year.
The bridge features 6 travel lanes, 16 toll lanes, and 36 inspection lanes on the U.S. side, providing a new option alongside the Ambassador Bridge. Canada will collect tolls to recuperate its investment before profits are divided between the U.S. and Canada.
During Friday's ceremony, Trump posted on Truth Social, writing: "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."
U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra said the U.S. is waiting for guidance, telling reporters, "we have to wait for DC concurrence." The White House said in part, "Nothing will change the fact that President Trump renegotiated an incredible deal for America on the Gordie Howe Bridge."
Gordie Howe's son, Murray Howe, reflected on what the bridge means in the context of his parents' legacy.
"They dedicated their lives to building bridges. Between people. Families. Communities and between nations," Murray Howe said.
Truck drivers who spoke with us say they are eager for the bridge to open because it will cut down on drive time and time away from home.
Canadian truck driver Hayder-Al Bagdadi said he is ready for the bridge to open.
"I go to Toronto and I come back to Romulus, Michigan. I drop the cars, nine cars and I come back to Windsor," Bagdadi said.
Another trucker, Samar Khangura, routinely transports auto parts from the Toronto area through Michigan to Laredo, Texas. He said the bridge would significantly reduce his drive time.
"We used to go from Sarnia from Blue Water Bridge," Khangura said. "Sometime, it's a big lineup. I didn't remember the time. We have to wait for like 15 hours at Sarnia to cross the border."
The Honourable Gregor Robertson, Canada's minister of Housing and Infrastructure and minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada, also issued a statement on the opening.
"After years of planning partnership, and construction, the Gordie Howe International Bridge will soon be opening - providing a new connection for the region, while strengthening one of the world's most important trade corridors. This nation-building project is a testament to what Canada can accomplish when we come together with a shared vision. Our gratitude goes to all the staff, workers, partners, the Howe family, and community members who were involved. The Gordie Howe International Bridge will create new opportunities, strengthen our economy, and bring economic benefits on both sides of border for generations to come," Robertson said.
First Nation members also attended Friday's ceremony to honor the land where the bridge was built.
The bridge's multi-use pedestrian and bicycle path is set to open to the public on Aug. 5.
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