Travellers anticipating the debut of the Gordie Howe International Bridge will experience a delay in utilizing the border passage. The Windsor Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA) has updated the completion timeline, now aiming for an opening in early 2026, with construction anticipated to conclude this year, as stated by Heather Grondin, the WDBA’s chief relations officer.
Originally planned to be operational by the end of 2024, the bridge’s inauguration was rescheduled to fall 2025. Grondin emphasized the current focus on finalizing construction and advancing testing and commissioning efforts for the entire project. She highlighted the criticality of dedicating sufficient time to ensure accuracy in testing and commissioning, emphasizing the significance of getting all elements right before the bridge opens.
The prolonged uncertainty surrounding the international crossing’s opening has sparked criticism from local politicians in Windsor. Windsor West Conservative MP Harb Gill emphasized the bridge’s vital economic role for the region and the necessity for consistent communication with locals.
The construction of the six-lane bridge began in 2018, fully funded by the Canadian government. Initially projected at $5.7 billion, the cost escalated to $6.4 billion as reported in January of last year.
Upon completion, the Gordie Howe International Bridge will introduce a third border crossing between Detroit and Windsor, complementing the existing Ambassador Bridge and Detroit-Windsor Tunnel, both aging structures. The new bridge will feature dynamic overhead signage for traffic management, increased inspection lanes, expedited truck processing, and tolling technology capable of processing 400 vehicles per hour at each booth.
In preparation for the bridge’s operation, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has augmented its staff by 250 officers and initiated the handover process for the Canadian port of entries earlier this year. Despite progress in testing technologies and infrastructure readiness, an exact opening date for the bridge remains undisclosed, with the project nearing 98% completion from a construction standpoint.