The Gordie Howe International Bridge, linking Windsor, Ontario, and Detroit, has been deemed mostly finished since February. However, a significant lawsuit contesting Canada’s decision to construct the bridge may not go to trial until 2027 or 2028, according to a recently acquired federal briefing note. The note, provided to federal Housing and Infrastructure Minister Gregor Robertson by deputy minister Paul Halucha on February 17, 2026, revealed that the construction of the bridge is nearly complete, with only some final tasks remaining, such as commissioning and testing critical systems. The opening of the bridge is pending final certifications and readiness from Canadian and U.S. agencies.
The briefing note was prepared shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump publicly threatened to impede the bridge’s opening, insisting that America should also benefit from it, despite the bridge being solely funded and built by Canada. The document indicated that the Gordie Howe International Bridge has faced 22 legal challenges from the owners of the Ambassador Bridge over the past two decades, with Canada winning 19 cases, and three remaining, including the primary case set for trial in late 2027 or early 2028.
One of the legal disputes alleges that when the Canadian Transit Company was established in 1921, it implied a right to be shielded from competitive crossings, which the construction of the Gordie Howe International Bridge purportedly violated. The lawsuit claim asserts that Canada infringed upon this right by building the new bridge.
Regarding the ongoing legal battles, Infrastructure Canada, the overseeing ministry for the Gordie Howe International Bridge, declined to comment on the specific challenges or the anticipated opening date of the bridge. The briefing note highlighted the economic competition surrounding the bridge, with tolls on the new crossing expected to be significantly lower than those at the Ambassador Bridge, potentially altering traffic patterns in the Windsor-Detroit corridor.
Truckers eagerly await the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, as it promises cost savings and improved logistical efficiency compared to the Ambassador Bridge. The new bridge is projected to alleviate toll burdens for trucking fleets and enhance the flow of trade between Ontario and Michigan. Despite delays and budget overruns, the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority remains committed to opening the bridge in the spring, emphasizing its importance as a crucial economic link between the two countries.