Canada Opens Gordie Howe International Bridge to Detroit as Tensions With US Rise

Windsor, Ontario — The long-delayed Gordie Howe International Bridge connecting Windsor, Ontario and Detroit, Michigan was ceremonially opened on Friday, amid strained US-Canada relations.

The bridge, named after Canadian hockey legend Gordie Howe who played 25 seasons for the Detroit Red Wings, was originally planned during a period of close cooperation between the two countries.

A Bridge Built in Better Times

When Canada and Michigan agreed to build the multibillion-dollar bridge in 2012, ties were strong.

Back then, President Barack Obama was widely admired in Canada, and both nations cooperated on border security and defense.

The C$6.4 billion bridge — about $4.5 billion USD — was designed to handle traffic at the busiest US-Canada border crossing.

Ceremony Scaled Back Due to Tariffs

The opening comes after President Trump delayed the project and imposed new trade measures.

This week, Trump announced 50% tariffs on $20 billion worth of Canadian products.

In response, Canada:

• Rescinded invitations to US officials for a joint opening
• Moved the ceremony from the international border line at the center of the bridge to the Canada Border Services Agency inspection plaza on the Canadian side

“In light of trade action threatened by the United States earlier this week, it would be inappropriate to proceed with a celebratory event between the two countries,” said the office of Canada’s infrastructure minister.

The event still included a ribbon cutting and Indigenous drumming ceremony. During the event, Trump posted on social media about the change in plans.

Canadian officials stressed the bridge remains a vital infrastructure project and will be a major economic driver despite current tensions.

What This Means for Travel

The bridge is now open. But amid the tariff dispute, Canadian officials have urged citizens to avoid non-essential travel to the US and follow updated border advisories.