Detroit, Michigan, October 17, 2025
Construction of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, a $5.9 billion cable-stayed crossing linking Detroit and Windsor, has been pushed back with an opening now expected in early next year. The delay follows pandemic-related setbacks and ongoing quality reviews, testing and commissioning needed before traffic begins. The bridge will feature six vehicle lanes, a toll-free multi-use path for pedestrians and cyclists, and the longest main span of any cable-stayed bridge in North America. Ports of entry and highway connections to I-75 and Highway 401 are part of the project, which also includes community benefit programs on both sides of the border.
Detroit, Michigan – Gordie Howe International Bridge Opening Delayed to Early 2026
The Gordie Howe International Bridge, a $5.9 billion project connecting Detroit, Michigan, and Windsor, Ontario, is now expected to open in early 2026. This delay follows earlier setbacks due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which had already postponed the opening from November 2024 to September 2025. The exact opening date will depend on ongoing quality reviews, testing, and commissioning processes.
Project Overview
Spanning the Detroit River, the Gordie Howe International Bridge is a cable-stayed bridge designed to alleviate cross-border traffic congestion and enhance trade between the United States and Canada. The bridge features:
- Six lanes for vehicular traffic (three in each direction)
- Dedicated multi-use path for pedestrians and cyclists
- Length of approximately 2.5 kilometers (1.5 miles)
- Main span of 853 meters (0.53 miles), the longest for a cable-stayed bridge in North America
Additionally, the project includes ports of entry on both sides of the border and connections to existing highways, such as Interstate 75 in Michigan and Highway 401 in Ontario. The multi-use path will be toll-free and accommodate two-way pedestrian and cyclist traffic, promoting active transportation and cross-border tourism.
Construction Milestones
Construction began in July 2018, with significant progress made over the years. Key milestones include:
- June 2024: Completion of the bridge deck, connecting both sides of the Detroit River
- August 2023: Completion of the U.S. bridge tower
- December 2023: Completion of the Canadian bridge tower
Despite these achievements, the project has faced challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to delays and increased costs. The current completion timeline aims to ensure the bridge meets all safety and operational standards before opening to traffic.
Impact and Significance
Once operational, the Gordie Howe International Bridge is expected to:
- Ease cross-border traffic between Detroit and Windsor
- Enhance bilateral infrastructure collaboration between the United States and Canada
- Provide a new route for trade and travel, supplementing existing crossings like the Ambassador Bridge and the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel
The bridge is also anticipated to become a landmark for green tourism, offering a dedicated path for pedestrians and cyclists, and connecting to regional trails such as Michigan’s Iron Belle Trail and the Trans Canada Trail.
Community Benefits
In addition to its transportation and economic benefits, the project includes community initiatives, with funds allocated for various community benefit projects in both the United States and Canada. These initiatives aim to support local communities and enhance the overall impact of the bridge on the region.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When is the Gordie Howe International Bridge expected to open?
The bridge is now expected to open in early 2026, following delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing quality reviews, testing, and commissioning processes.
What are the key features of the Gordie Howe International Bridge?
The bridge features six lanes for vehicular traffic, a dedicated multi-use path for pedestrians and cyclists, a total length of approximately 2.5 kilometers (1.5 miles), and a main span of 853 meters (0.53 miles), making it the longest cable-stayed bridge in North America.
How will the bridge impact cross-border traffic?
Once operational, the bridge is expected to ease cross-border traffic between Detroit and Windsor, enhancing trade and travel between the United States and Canada.
What community benefits are associated with the project?
The project includes community initiatives, with funds allocated for various community benefit projects in both the United States and Canada, aiming to support local communities and enhance the overall impact of the bridge on the region.
Key Features of the Gordie Howe International Bridge
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Length | Approximately 2.5 kilometers (1.5 miles) |
| Main Span | 853 meters (0.53 miles), the longest for a cable-stayed bridge in North America |
| Lanes | Six lanes for vehicular traffic (three in each direction) |
| Multi-Use Path | Toll-free path for pedestrians and cyclists |
| Ports of Entry | Facilities on both U.S. and Canadian sides |
| Highway Connections | Links to Interstate 75 in Michigan and Highway 401 in Ontario |
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Author: STAFF HERE DETROITMI WRITER
DETROIT STAFF WRITER The DETROIT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDetroitMI.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Detroit, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Movement Electronic Music Festival, Detroit Grand Prix, and America's Thanksgiving Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Detroit Regional Chamber and Focus HOPE, plus leading businesses in automotive and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Henry Ford Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.