The Gordie Howe International Bridge, eagerly awaited by travelers, will see a delay in its opening. Construction is now projected to be completed this year, with plans for an early 2026 opening, according to Heather Grondin, the chief relations officer for the Windsor Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA). Originally set to open by the end of 2024, the bridge spanning approximately 2.5 kilometers across the Detroit River was later rescheduled for a fall 2025 opening.
Grondin emphasized the current focus on finishing construction and advancing testing and commissioning efforts. She highlighted the importance of taking the necessary time to ensure everything is done correctly before the bridge opens, as there is only one opportunity to get it right.
The delayed opening has sparked criticism from Windsor politicians, with MP Harb Gill expressing concerns about the vital economic significance of the bridge for the region and the need for consistent communication with locals. The initial cost estimate of $5.7 billion for the six-lane crossing, entirely funded by the Canadian government, has since increased to $6.4 billion.
Upon completion, the Gordie Howe International Bridge will become the third border crossing between Detroit and Windsor, complementing the existing Ambassador Bridge and Detroit-Windsor Tunnel. The new bridge is anticipated to feature dynamic overhead signage for traffic management, increased inspection lanes, faster truck processing, and tolling technology capable of moving 400 vehicles through each booth per hour.
In preparation for the bridge’s opening, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has assigned an additional 250 officers to the project and initiated the handover process for the Canadian port of entries earlier this year. While the bridge construction is 98% complete, ongoing efforts include testing technology, analyzing traffic connectivity, and evaluating the fire suppression system.
Despite progress, a specific opening date for the bridge has not been provided by Grondin.