The Canadian government confirmed on Friday that the new $4.7 billion bridge between Detroit and Windsor, Ontario, is set to open on July 27. This follows an agreement on toll revenue reached between the U.S. and Canada, despite earlier threats from President Trump to block its construction.
Initially, the Gordie Howe International Bridge was set to open in June.
In February, Trump expressed intentions to close the bridge, naming financial concerns as his reason.
Canada’s announcement highlighted a deal regarding “cooperative measures focused on toll governance and transparency,” which includes a 15-year economic development fund based on the bridge’s operational profits.
On Saturday, Trump claimed he secured a “better deal” for the U.S., which allowed the bridge’s opening to proceed.
“The original agreement was unacceptable to me,” he stated on Truth Social. “The new contract is nice and fair.”
Mike Rogers, a Republican Senate candidate from Michigan, mentioned on WJR Radio that U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick informed him about an impending agreement enabling the bridge to open ahead of schedule.
Rogers remarked that the U.S. shifted from “no revenue” to gaining significant revenue. “We’re going to open the bridge and get a better deal,” he added.
One official confirmed that the deal included the U.S. receiving 50% of toll revenue and the power to veto any toll increases exceeding 10% of current rates.
Sources indicated that Lutnick negotiated the agreement after recent discussions with Dominic LeBlanc, Canada’s U.S. trade minister.
This bridge matter has surfaced in Michigan’s Senate race, as Trump’s party seeks to retain its majority.
The official ribbon-cutting had been scheduled for mid-June.
Last month, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney noted that Canada had postponed the opening following a request from Trump’s administration.
Trump previously cited issues like Canada’s trade policies regarding American alcohol, dairy tariffs, and broader trade negotiations with China as reasons for delaying the bridge’s opening.
Matthew Morrone, owner of the competing Ambassador Bridge, met with Lutnick in February. It’s worth noting he had donated $1 million to a pro-Trump PAC just weeks before.
The Ambassador Bridge company has not commented but has long opposed the new bridge’s construction.
Construction of the Gordie Howe Bridge, which started in 2018, was financed by Canada after the U.S. declined to fund it. The plan was to cover costs through tolls over three decades, although how the revenue split will affect repayments remains unclear.
The new bridge is expected to alleviate truck traffic on the Ambassador Bridge, which is the largest cargo port along the U.S.-Canada border, handling $126 billion in trade carried by commercial trucks in 2023.
A study from the University of Windsor predicts the bridge will save truckers $2.3 billion over 30 years by reducing crossing times by 20 minutes.
During his second term, Trump made numerous threats toward Canada and significantly increased tariffs on the country. Last month, he hinted he might not renew free trade agreements with Canada and Mexico.
