Gordie Howe Bridge Opens as U.S. Officials Excluded Amid New Canadian Tariffs
The Gordie Howe International Bridge was inaugurated in Windsor, Ontario, while U.S. and Michigan officials were not invited following President Trump's announcement of 50% tariffs on Canadian imports.
The Gordie Howe International Bridge in Windsor, Ontario, opened to traffic after a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday. The six-lane, 1.5-mile span, named for hockey legend Gordie Howe, is expected to provide a faster, lower-cost route for commercial trucks that have long relied on the privately owned Ambassador Bridge.
Construction, which began in 2018, was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic and cost an estimated $6.4 billion, funded by Canada. Under a recent agreement, Canada will share a portion of toll revenue with the United States for 15 years, with Michigan receiving its share after Canada recoups its investment.
More than 70 % of Canada’s exports go to the United States, making the new crossing strategically important for trade. Pedestrians and cyclists with proper identification will be allowed to cross for free in the coming weeks.
U.S. and Michigan representatives were not invited to the ceremony after President Donald Trump announced 50 % tariffs on Canadian goods entering the United States. Trump posted on social media that “We changed the terms,” referencing the toll-revenue agreement.
The bridge rises 151 feet above the Detroit River at its highest point and is expected to alleviate congestion at the Detroit port, the busiest U.S.–Canada border crossing for truck traffic.