Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Wednesday that the debut of a new international bridge spanning the Detroit River could face delays, despite U.S. President Donald Trump’s previous threats to prevent its opening.
“Look, everyone’s working hard to make sure the bridge is open as soon as possible. There is no big drama. If it takes a little longer it will take a little bit longer, but this will benefit Canadians, Americans, business, tourists, residents for decades and decades to come,” Carney stated while entering Parliament.
The Gordie Howe International Bridge, which is jointly owned by Canada and the U.S. state of Michigan, will hold its ribbon-cutting ceremony this Friday, though vehicle traffic may not begin flowing immediately afterward.
Earlier this week, Carney had indicated that the second crossing linking Windsor and Detroit would “be open at the end of the week.”
The upcoming Friday ceremony follows recent discussions between Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, according to an anonymous source familiar with the private conversations.
In February, Trump demanded that Canada transfer at least half of the bridge’s ownership to the U.S. federal government and meet other undisclosed conditions as part of his broader campaign addressing cross-border trade concerns.
The new crossing between Windsor, Ontario, and Detroit represents a crucial economic link between the two nations. The structure bears the name of the legendary Canadian hockey player who played 25 seasons with the Detroit Red Wings.
Former Republican Michigan Governor Rick Snyder negotiated the construction agreement, with Canada funding the project to reduce traffic bottlenecks at the current Ambassador Bridge and Detroit-Windsor tunnel. Construction began in 2018.
Trump’s bridge threats coincide with this year’s scheduled review of the United States-Mexico-Canada trade agreement, as the president adopts an aggressive stance ahead of negotiations, including new tariff warnings.
