Gordie Howe Bridge Delay – What It Means for You Now

The much-awaited opening of Gordie Howe International Bridge, linking Windsor, Ontario, and Detroit is unlikely to happen in 2026, despite being 90 per cent complete. 

Originally scheduled to open by late 2024, the massive bridge project faces further setbacks, mainly due to unfinished border facilities on both the Canadian and U.S. sides.

According to a report by S&P Global Ratings, the contractor has missed two crucial deadlines to hand over the Canadian port of entry to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). 

This handover must happen at least nine months before the bridge opens so CBSA can complete its own preparations. On the U.S. side, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) needs at least six months after receiving the facility to be ready.  

As of last month, the handover was still pending, but Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA) spokesperson Heather Grondin expressed optimism, saying work remains on track for completion by year’s end.

“We have an estimated two percent of construction work remaining,” she said.

The bridge, expected to become the longest cable-stayed bridge in North America, is part of a $4.7 billion project fully funded by Canada. In return, Canada will collect all toll revenues until the investment is repaid, after which proceeds will be shared with the United States.

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The project comprises four main components: the bridge itself, ports of entry in Canada and the U.S., and the Michigan Interchange—a 1.8-mile stretch connecting to I-75 in Detroit. 

According to S&P, delays in handing over customs facilities to both CBSA and CBP could push the opening by as much as six months. Canada requires nine months to prepare its facilities post-handover, while CBP needs at least six months.

While CBSA told CBS News it would be ready in time, CBP has yet to comment. 

“As this is an international crossing with security implications for both Canada and the U.S., we are unable to comment on certain aspects of border agency operations at the U.S. and Canadian Ports of Entry,” said Grondin.

Labour shortages may have contributed to the delays. S&P noted that “the construction contractor and its subcontractor faced major attrition in a skilled labour force due to the construction of a very large car battery manufacturing plant in the same region.”

Despite the issues, progress continues as key technological systems are being installed.

“We need to ensure that when someone drives up to the toll booth, their RFID tag is read instantly, and that information goes from the camera to the tolling operations centre without any issues,” said Grondin.

Over at the Michigan Interchange, S&P highlighted concerns with the siphon system, though WDBA insists the final elements are nearly complete. 

“The final steps are being undertaken by Bridging North America for the ramps that will connect I-75 to the U.S. Port of Entry, with line painting and signage installations underway,” Grondin added.

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