Opening of Canada-US bridge in Detroit that Trump threatened to block is delayed

The opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, a new crossing between Windsor, Ontario, and Detroit, has been delayed due to "outstanding issues," according to the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority. The bridge, jointly owned by Canada and Michigan, was scheduled to open later this month. The delay follows months of uncertainty after former President Donald Trump demanded Canada cede ownership and meet other unspecified conditions. Invitations for the opening ceremony were sent out this week after a conversation between Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles. The bridge is considered a vital economic link between the two countries.

Canada has confirmed that the Gordie Howe International Bridge, a new six-lane crossing connecting Detroit, Michigan, and Windsor, Ontario, will open by the end of the week. This announcement comes despite prior threats from United States President Donald Trump to halt its opening, which he had linked to concessions from Canada. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney stated the bridge is a symbol and fact of cooperation between the US and Canada, beneficial for travelers and commerce. The bridge's opening was previously jeopardized by Trump's remarks and opposition from the owners of the privately held Ambassador Bridge, who have criticized the Gordie Howe Bridge as unfair competition. Unlike the Ambassador Bridge, the Gordie Howe Bridge is jointly owned by the governments of Canada and Michigan.

The Gordie Howe International Bridge, a $4.7 billion project connecting Detroit, Michigan, and Windsor, Ontario, is set to open in the coming weeks. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is anticipated later this week, with local media reporting a June 15 opening date for traffic. This development proceeds despite a February threat from then-US President Donald Trump. Invitations for the ribbon-cutting were issued following discussions between Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Trump's chief of staff, Susie Wiles. The bridge authority confirmed the project is on track for its upcoming opening.