More than a decade in the making, the Gordie Howe International Bridge finally made its long awaited debut on July 27. Its completion marks the fourth international bridge crossing between Michigan and Canada and the second in Detroit. (The other bridges are the Blue Water Bridge, the International Bridge, and the Ambassador Bridge.) The $4.7 billion USD project was funded entirely by Canada. It features six lanes for vehicle travel, as well as a multi-use path for walking and cycling. Spanning the entire half-mile width of the Detroit River, the Gordie Howe International Bridge is the longest cable-stayed bridge in North America and the tenth longest in the world.
In celebration of this momentous occasion, here is a timeline chronicling the journey of Detroit’s second international bridge, from conception to completion.
June 15, 2012: U.S. and Canada Agree to Bridge
Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Michigan Governor Rick Snyder announced that an agreement to build a publicly owned bridge was concluded. Under the agreement, the bridge would be financed, constructed, and operated by Canada, but would be jointly owned by Michigan and Canada. It also stated that all steel and other building components must be produced by either Canada or the U.S.
May 14, 2015: The Bridge Gets a Name
There are few names that garner as much respect from both Michiganders and Canadians alike, as Gordie Howe. For that reason, it was announced that the international crossing would be named after the Canadian-born Detroit Red Wings legend, Mr. Hockey.
Oct. 5, 2018: Construction Begins
In a celebration attended by politicians from both sides of the border, construction on the Gordie Howe International Bridge was officially started. The 1.5 mile long project would be the longest cable-stayed bridge in North America, and the seventh longest in the world. In keeping with its namesake, the dual towers on either side of the bridge were designed to resemble flexing hockey sticks. Construction was initially scheduled to take 74 months and be completed by the end of 2024.
Dec. 2023: Bridge Reaches Final Height
After four years of construction, the bridge’s two towers were completed. Topping out at 722 feet high, the Detroit-side tower is just 5 feet shy of Detroit’s tallest building, the RenCen’s central tower, which is 727 feet tall.
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Jan. 4, 2024: First Opening Delay
In what would be the first of many, it was announced that the bridge opening would be delayed until fall 2025. Due in part to issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the project was delayed by 10 months. At this time, the scheduled completion was set for Sept. 2025.
July 24, 2024: The Bridge Becomes an International Border Crossing
The bridge deck spanning the entirety of the Detroit River was completed, linking the U.S. and Canada together. To commemorate the achievement, a Canadian and a U.S. ironworker were photographed shaking hands atop a beam 150 feet above the Detroit River.
Oct. 14, 2025: A Second Delay
Due to construction delays and ongoing safety testing, the bridge opening was delayed again, this time until early 2026. The Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority also cited the need for more time related to the operations of the modernized border crossing facilities as a reason for the delay.
Feb. 9, 2026: President Trump Threatens Bridge Opening
Citing disagreements surrounding the economic trade relationship between the U.S. and Canada, President Trump threatened to block the bridge’s opening. Following these threats, the U.S. and Canada reentered negotiations surrounding revenue generated from the project. As a result, Canada agreed to share half of the bridge’s net revenue with the U.S. for the next 15 years.
June 11, 2026: Rumored Ribbon Cutting Cancelled
Announced online with little fanfare, a ribbon cutting ceremony was scheduled to take place on June 12. But one day before it was supposed to take place, it was abruptly postponed. The official stated purpose was to fix any last outstanding problems with the project.
July 21, 2026: Joint Ribbon Cutting Cancelled
Three days before the postponed joint ribbon cutting ceremony was to take place, Canada withdrew from the celebrations amid trade tensions. Instead, they opted to host their own ceremony on the Windsor side without U.S. officials on July 24. The celebration included speeches from members of Gordie Howe’s family and Canadian politicians, a game of street hockey, and refreshments.
July 27, 2026: The Bridge Opens to Cars
Over 14 years and $4.7 billion later, the Gordie Howe International Bridge officially opened for vehicle traffic. This marked the first time in more than 60 years that a new crossing between Michigan and Ontario was opened. In fitting fashion, the first people to cross the bridge were members of Gordie Howe’s family, who drove a Dodge Charger across the bridge.
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Aug. 5, 2026: Pedestrian Traffic Scheduled to Open
The multi-use pathways on the bridge are scheduled to open for cyclists and walkers on Aug. 5. In addition to the six vehicle lanes, the bridge will also accommodate two-way pedestrian traffic, a feature that is not included on the nearby Ambassador Bridge.
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