Story perspectives

Canada, US Delay Gordie Howe Bridge Opening, Cancel Ceremony

6/11/2026

Summary

Story summary

Canada and the United States agreed to postpone the Gordie Howe International Bridge opening and cancelled the ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled for Friday, June 12.
Interim CEO Chuck Andary said officials keep working toward a new opening date and praised border workers.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer said Michigan secured favorable financing, has paid nothing, and expects the bridge to create well-paying jobs and serve as a vital trade corridor linking Windsor and Detroit.

History

Historical Context

In 1929 the privately owned Ambassador Bridge opened, instantly becoming the busiest U.S.–Canada crossing and handling about 25% of bilateral trade. Early-2000s plans for a publicly owned rival led to the creation of the Windsor–Detroit Bridge Authority in 2012, with construction of the cable-stayed Gordie Howe International Bridge beginning in July 2018. The CA$3.8 billion project, slated for early 2026, now faces further delay.

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Story summary

Canada and the United States agreed to postpone the Gordie Howe International Bridge opening and cancelled the ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled for Friday, June 12.
Interim CEO Chuck Andary said officials keep working toward a new opening date and praised border workers.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer said Michigan secured favorable financing, has paid nothing, and expects the bridge to create well-paying jobs and serve as a vital trade corridor linking Windsor and Detroit.

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