Gordie Howe International Bridge to Open July 27 After U.S.-Canada Toll Agreement
The Gordie Howe International Bridge, a $4.5 billion infrastructure project connecting Detroit and Windsor, Ontario, will open on July 27 after the Canadian and U.S. governments resolved a years-long dispute over toll revenue sharing, the Canadian government announced Friday.
Key Details of the Toll Agreement
The agreement, finalized on Thursday, allows the bridge to open after nearly 13 years of delays, including pandemic-related setbacks. Under the terms, half of toll revenue—after operating expenses—will fund a regional economic development fund for the first 15 years of operation. The U.S. government will collect the tolls, with funds restricted to American beneficiaries, according to a U.S. official. Toll increases beyond 10% will require U.S. approval, a shift from the original 2012 arrangement managed by a Canada-Michigan authority.
Trump’s Shift on Bridge Opposition
President Donald Trump, who previously threatened to block the bridge’s opening, praised the project on Friday, stating, “Thank you and congratulations to the Canadian Government… May we both have many years of success with this wonderful new development!!!” His earlier opposition centered on claims that Canada exploited the U.S. economy and violated trade agreements, as well as false assertions that no American workers or steel were used in construction.
Trump’s stance shifted after meetings between U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Matthew Moroun, the billionaire owner of the competing Ambassador Bridge. Moroun, who donated $1 million to a Trump-aligned super PAC in January 2023, had lobbied against the Gordie Howe Bridge, which threatens his family’s toll-dependent business.
Historical Context and Trade Significance
The bridge, which replaces a 1929 crossing, is critical for trade, handling $300 million in daily cross-border commerce. Its construction began in 2013, with completion pushed to 2023 due to delays. The project was initially plagued by disputes over cost-sharing, with Canada covering the full $6.4 billion price tag. Under the original 2012 agreement, revenue would be split after tolls recouped costs, potentially 50 years from now.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer called the bridge “a tremendous example of bipartisan and international cooperation,” while her press secretary emphasized benefits for the state’s auto industry.
Legacy of the Moroun Family
The Moroun family, which has controlled the Ambassador Bridge since 1979, has long faced scrutiny for poor maintenance and controversial land acquisitions. Their bridge, a key trade route, has suffered from delays and safety concerns, including debris falling from the structure.