Detroit, Michigan, October 23, 2025

The Gordie Howe International Bridge connecting Detroit and Windsor is nearing completion but has been delayed due to ongoing quality reviews, testing and commissioning of border facilities. The project is reported to be approximately 98% complete, with recent work including installation of 5,000 LED lights, finishing the long bridge deck, post-tensioning all stay cables, and adding multi-use pedestrian and cycling paths. The cable-stayed crossing will provide six lanes linking major highways and include modern ports of entry with dedicated truck lanes and advanced processing technology, promising improved trade, travel and local community benefits once operational.

Detroit, Michigan – Gordie Howe International Bridge Nears Completion, Opening Delayed to Early 2026

The Gordie Howe International Bridge, connecting Detroit, Michigan, and Windsor, Ontario, is nearing completion, with the opening now anticipated in early 2026. This delay from the original mid-2024 schedule is due to ongoing quality reviews, testing, and commissioning processes.

Current Construction Status

As of October 2025, the bridge is 98% complete. Recent activities include:

• Installation of 5,000 LED lights: Enhancing visibility and aesthetics along the bridge deck.
• Completion of the bridge deck: The main span now measures 1.5 miles, making it one of North America’s longest cable-stayed bridges.
• Installation and post-tensioning of all 216 stay cables: Ensuring structural integrity and support for the bridge deck.
• Construction of multi-use pedestrian and cycling paths: Promoting sustainable transportation options across the bridge.

Project Specifications and Features

The Gordie Howe International Bridge represents a significant advancement in border crossing infrastructure. The cable-stayed bridge will span 1.6 miles, featuring six lanes connecting I-75 in Detroit with Highway 401 in Windsor. The project includes state-of-the-art ports of entry on both sides with dedicated lanes for trucks and passenger vehicles, advanced imaging technology, and improved processing facilities.

Construction Timeline and Delays

The project’s history spans more than two decades, with initial discussions dating back to 2000. After breaking ground in 2018, construction progressed, but recent delays have centered around the completion and handover of border facilities. A report from S&P Global Ratings indicated that contractors had missed previous deadlines for transferring border facilities to authorities, though bridge officials would not specifically comment on this. Local 4 also asked the bridge authority if they have a specific opening date for 2026, but leaders said it’s too early to give specifics.

Economic and Community Impact

Once operational, the Gordie Howe International Bridge is expected to enhance cross-border connectivity between the United States and Canada, boosting trade and tourism. The project has also allocated funds for community benefit projects on both sides of the border, aiming to support local residents and businesses.

Background Context

The passage across the Detroit River between the United States and Canada has been an important traffic route since the American Civil War, with ferries transporting goods and people across the river. A railway tunnel (Michigan Central Railway Tunnel) was opened in July 1910, a suspension bridge for road traffic (Ambassador Bridge) opened in November 1929, and a road tunnel (Detroit-Windsor tunnel) opened in 1930. The Ambassador Bridge is the busiest crossing on the Canada-United States border, with nearly 25% of U.S.–Canada border crossings by trucks using the bridge. The bridge has been criticized for its monopoly status, private ownership by billionaire Manuel Moroun, and poor maintenance record. Both the bridge and the road tunnel lack direct highway connections on the Canadian side, with city streets and traffic lights between them and Ontario Highway 401.

Conclusion

The Gordie Howe International Bridge is a significant infrastructure project that aims to improve cross-border connectivity and support economic growth. Despite facing delays, the project is progressing toward completion, with the opening now expected in early 2026.

FAQ

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Key Features of the Gordie Howe International Bridge

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

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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.