WINDSOR, Ontario (WXYZ) — The Gordie Howe International Bridge is set to open to traffic Monday around noon, following more than 8 years of construction, over 20 million hours of work, and $6.4 billion in investment — even as trade tensions between the U.S. and Canada continue to simmer.
Watch Simon Shaykhet's video reports:
As it stands on Friday morning, the international crossing is set open to traffic on Monday, but U.S. officials still have not confirmed that will happen.
Watch Randy Wimbley's video reports on the reaction in America:
Canadian officials and the Howe family gathered Friday on the Windsor, Ontario side of the border to celebrate the milestone. U.S. officials were not invited. Canada withdrew from a planned joint ceremony after President Trump announced a 50% tariff on most Canadian goods. It remains unclear whether the U.S. will hold its own ceremony or whether the Monday opening will proceed as planned on the American side.
See the full ribbon cutting ceremony in the video below
Ontario Premier Doug Ford called the bridge a generational achievement.
"The Gordie Howe international bridge is more than a new landmark on the Detroit River skyline. It's an example of what we can achieve when our two great countries work together," Ford said.
Ford also addressed the economic stakes of the crossing.
"I know that both Canadians and Americans are better off when we work together instead of standing apart," Ford said.
The Windsor mayor also spoke to the importance of the bridge for trade.
"We want more trade not less. More jobs not fewer. An abundance of opportunities not a scarcity of potential," the mayor said.
Related:
U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra said the U.S. is waiting for guidance, telling reporters, "we have to wait for DC concurrence." The White House said in part, "Nothing will change the fact that President Trump renegotiated an incredible deal for America on the Gordie Howe Bridge."
Gordie Howe's son, Murray Howe, reflected on what the bridge means in the context of his parents' legacy.
"They dedicated their lives to building bridges. Between people. Families. Communities and between nations," Murray Howe said.
Truck drivers who spoke with us say they are eager for the bridge to open because it will cut down on drive time and time away from home.
Canadian truck driver Hayder-Al Bagdadi said he is ready for the bridge to open.
"I go to Toronto and I come back to Romulus, Michigan. I drop the cars, nine cars and I come back to Windsor," Bagdadi said.
Another trucker, Samar Khangura, routinely transports auto parts from the Toronto area through Michigan to Laredo, Texas. He said the bridge would significantly reduce his drive time.
"We used to go from Sarnia from Blue Water Bridge," Khangura said. "Sometime, it's a big lineup. I didn't remember the time. We have to wait for like 15 hours at Sarnia to cross the border."
The Honourable Gregor Robertson, Canada's minister of Housing and Infrastructure and minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada, also issued a statement on the opening.
"After years of planning partnership, and construction, the Gordie Howe International Bridge will soon be opening - providing a new connection for the region, while strengthening one of the world's most important trade corridors. This nation-building project is a testament to what Canada can accomplish when we come together with a shared vision. Our gratitude goes to all the staff, workers, partners, the Howe family, and community members who were involved. The Gordie Howe International Bridge will create new opportunities, strengthen our economy, and bring economic benefits on both sides of border for generations to come," Robertson said.
First Nation members also attended Friday's ceremony to honor the land where the bridge was built.
The bridge's multi-use pedestrian and bicycle path is set to open to the public on Aug. 5.
——————————————————————————————————————————
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.