U.S., Canada Reach Toll Deal to Allow New Bridge to Open on July 27
The Gordie Howe International Bridge, a new $4.7 billion crossing linking Detroit, Michigan, with Windsor, Ontario, is now scheduled to open on July 27 after the United States and Canada reached a deal over toll revenue and governance.
The bridge had previously been expected to open in June, but its launch was delayed after U.S. President Donald Trump raised objections and threatened to block the project.
U.S. and Canada Reach New Agreement
The Canadian government said the two countries agreed to a set of cooperative measures focused on toll governance, transparency and regional investment.
The agreement also includes the creation of a 15-year economic development fund connected to a portion of profits from bridge operations.
Trump Says New Deal Is Better for the U.S.
Trump said Saturday that his administration had secured a much better arrangement for the United States, allowing the bridge opening to move forward.
In a Truth Social post, he said the original agreement was unacceptable to him, but described the revised deal as fair and beneficial.
U.S. to Receive Toll Revenue Share
A source confirmed that the United States will receive 50% of toll revenue under the new deal.
The U.S. will also reportedly have the ability to veto any toll increase that is more than 10% above current toll levels.
The agreement followed recent talks between U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Dominic LeBlanc, Canada’s minister responsible for U.S. trade.
Mike Rogers Says U.S. Secured Revenue
Michigan Republican U.S. Senate candidate Mike Rogers said on WJR radio that Lutnick told him the administration had reached a deal that would allow the bridge to open soon.
Rogers said the United States moved from receiving no revenue to gaining a significant share of bridge income.
The bridge dispute has also become an issue in Michigan’s U.S. Senate race as Republicans campaign to maintain control of the chamber.
Opening Was Previously Delayed
A formal ribbon-cutting ceremony had earlier been planned for mid-June.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said last month that Canada agreed to delay the bridge opening at the request of the Trump administration.
In February, Trump pointed to several trade disputes with Canada as reasons he might not allow the bridge to open.
Those included Canada’s refusal to stock some U.S. alcoholic beverages, Canadian tariffs on dairy products and Canada’s trade talks with China.
Ambassador Bridge Owner Opposed Project
The Gordie Howe bridge will compete with the privately owned Ambassador Bridge, which also connects Detroit and Windsor.
Matthew Moroun, owner of the Ambassador Bridge, met with Lutnick in February after donating $1 million to a Trump-aligned political action committee.
The Ambassador Bridge company had spent years campaigning against the new bridge.
Canada Financed Construction
Construction of the Gordie Howe International Bridge began in 2018.
Canada financed the project because the United States declined to pay for it.
The original plan was for tolls to cover the bridge’s costs over 30 years.
It remains unclear how the new toll revenue split will affect that repayment schedule.
Bridge Expected to Ease Freight Traffic
The new crossing is expected to reduce pressure on the Ambassador Bridge, which is the largest freight port on the U.S.-Canada border.
In 2023, the Ambassador Bridge handled $126 billion in trade carried by commercial trucks.
The Gordie Howe bridge is expected to improve movement for truckers and supply chains between the two countries.
Crossing Time Could Be Reduced
A University of Windsor study found that the new bridge could cut crossing times by about 20 minutes.
The same study estimated that truckers could save $2.3 billion over 30 years because of faster travel and reduced delays.
Wider U.S.-Canada Trade Tensions
The bridge dispute comes during a period of strained trade relations between the United States and Canada.
Trump has made several threats against Canada during his second term and has sharply increased tariffs on the country.
Last month, he also suggested he might not renew the free trade agreement with Mexico and Canada.
The Gordie Howe International Bridge is now set to open on July 27 after the United States and Canada reached a new toll revenue agreement. The deal gives the U.S. a share of revenue and more influence over toll increases, while allowing the long-delayed Detroit-Windsor crossing to move forward.
Once open, the bridge is expected to ease freight traffic, reduce delays and strengthen trade movement across one of North America’s most important border corridors.
