Gordie Howe International Bridge to open July 27 amid revenue split and celebration dispute

The Gordie Howe International Bridge linking Windsor, Ontario and Detroit, Michigan is scheduled to open on July 27, 2026 after a series of delays. Canada financed the $6.4 billion project and will recoup construction costs before any profit is shared. Under the newly disclosed agreement, the United States will receive 50 percent of the bridge’s net revenue until 2041, with a 15‑year regional economic‑development fund receiving its share, while Canada keeps the remainder to repay debt.

Political controversy surrounded the opening. The Trump administration delayed the start, prompting accusations of a quid‑pro‑quo involving billionaire donor Matthew Moroun, owner of the competing Ambassador Bridge. Recent U.S. tariff threats led the Canadian government to cancel a joint U.S.–Canada celebration, opting for a Canada‑only ribbon‑cutting ceremony attended by Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens. Canadian opposition parties have called for full disclosure of the revenue arrangement, and Conservatives are considering parliamentary tools to compel the Liberal government to release the details. The bridge will carry six lanes, handle about a quarter of Canada‑U.S. trade and is expected to alleviate congestion on existing crossings.