Wedoany.com Report-Oct. 20, The Gordie Howe International Bridge connecting Detroit, US, and Windsor, Canada has been delayed again, with the opening now scheduled for early 2026, down from previous targets of mid-2024 and late 2025. According to the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA), the bridge is currently 98% complete, with final work focusing on paving, landscaping, and the construction of five pedestrian bridges on the US side, along with safety testing of various systems.

The CAN$6.4 billion (US$4.3 billion) bridge spans 2.7 km (1.6 miles) with six lanes, bypassing the city centers of Detroit and Windsor. It will link I-75 in Detroit to Highway 401 in Canada, easing congestion on the privately-owned Ambassador Bridge and improving traffic flow for both commercial and passenger vehicles.

The bridge is designed for efficient international processing, incorporating multiple inspection lanes, advanced truck processing systems, and a toll transponder system capable of handling 400 vehicles per hour per station. After five years of construction, the two tower cranes have been removed, and crews are completing work on the bridge deck finishings. Recently, 5,000 energy-efficient white LED lights were installed along the bridge deck edges, piers, stay cables, and towers to enhance visibility and aesthetics.

WDBA, a Canadian not-for-profit corporation reporting to Parliament, is wholly owned by the government of Canada. It is responsible for the delivery, oversight, and operation of the Gordie Howe International Bridge through a public-private partnership, and will set and collect all tolls. The bridge is fully funded by Canadian taxpayers.

The new crossing aims to streamline trade and travel between the US and Canada, offering a modern, high-capacity alternative to existing infrastructure. Once open, it will play a key role in reducing congestion, improving cross-border logistics, and supporting regional economic growth.

WDBA emphasized that the remaining work is critical for safety, operational readiness, and durability, and that the organization is committed to completing the bridge to high standards despite the delay. The project illustrates a major Canada-US infrastructure collaboration, combining public funding with private construction expertise to deliver a state-of-the-art international crossing.

In summary, the Gordie Howe International Bridge is poised to become a vital link for cross-border travel and commerce, featuring modern toll systems, pedestrian access, and energy-efficient infrastructure, with completion now expected in early 2026.