Travellers anticipating the debut of the Gordie Howe International Bridge will face a slight delay in accessing the border crossing. The Windsor Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA) has adjusted the completion timeline to later this year, with the opening now projected for early 2026, according to Heather Grondin, the WDBA’s chief relations officer.
Initially planned to open by the end of 2024, the 2.5-kilometre bridge connecting the I-75 with Highway 401 was rescheduled to fall 2025 before the recent update. Grondin emphasized the current focus on finalizing construction and advancing testing and commissioning efforts for the entire project.
The delayed opening has sparked concerns among Windsor politicians, including Windsor West Conservative MP Harb Gill, who described the bridge as crucial for the region’s economic vitality. Construction of the six-lane crossing commenced in 2018, fully funded by the Canadian government. Originally estimated at $5.7 billion, the project’s cost escalated to $6.4 billion as of last January.
Upon completion, the Gordie Howe International Bridge will become the third border crossing between Detroit and Windsor, complementing the Ambassador Bridge and the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel. The new crossing is set to feature dynamic overhead signage for traffic management, enhanced inspection lanes, expedited truck processing, and tolling technology capable of processing 400 vehicles per booth per hour.
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has ramped up preparations for the bridge opening, boosting its staff by 250 officers and deploying new trainees to support the project. The agency initiated the handover process for Canadian port entries earlier this year. Progress on the bridge stands at 98% completion, with ongoing testing of technology, traffic systems, and fire suppression mechanisms. Additional work includes paving, landscaping, and constructing pedestrian bridges on the U.S. side.
While a specific opening date remains undisclosed, Grondin affirmed the advanced stage of construction and comprehensive testing underway. The recent celebration of completing the bridge deck marked a significant milestone, as stakeholders from both countries came together to commemorate the progress.