Canada, US agree to delay Gordie Howe Bridge opening to resolve ‘outstanding issues’

Canada and the US have agreed to delay the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge to allow time to resolve outstanding issues, the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA) said Thursday.

"Canada and the United States have agreed to delay the opening of the bridge, taking the necessary time to resolve any outstanding issues," Chuck Andary, interim chief executive officer and chief legal officer of the WDBA, said in a statement.

Andary described the approach taken by the two countries as collaborative, reflecting what he called a "shared ambition" for the cross-border trade corridor.

"The Gordie Howe International Bridge will be a vital economic link for Canada and the United States," he said, adding that he appreciated “the efforts of workers on both sides of the border to get the bridge to its current state of readiness.”

No revised opening date was announced.

Speaking at a news conference in Toronto, Prime Minister Mark Carney said the bridge opening was delayed at the request of the US.

"There's not great drama here," he said, affirming that the bridge will “serve Canadians, Americans, others for decades.”

Carney noted that the "outstanding issues" about the bridge were not included during "direct" talks between himself and US President Donald Trump.

He also said "there are always countless issues" in the Canadian-American relationship, adding: “We understand the US has changed its trade policy, its orientation.”

"There are some specific issues that need to be ironed out on both sides of the border, and we're working through doing that," he said.

The Gordie Howe International Bridge is a major crossing linking Windsor, Ontario, and Detroit, Michigan, designed to improve cross-border travel and freight movement.

Under the 2012 Canada-Michigan Crossing Agreement, Canada assumed the full cost of construction. In return, Ottawa will collect toll revenues until its investment is recovered, after which Michigan will become eligible to receive 50% of the net profits.