News Summary
The opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge is now delayed until early 2026 due to issues at the U.S. Customs Port of Entry and other local construction projects. The Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority disputes claims about the project’s timeline but confirms construction challenges remain. Despite progress on various structures, labor shortages and a missed handover date have compounded the delays, causing concerns among stakeholders. The bridge is expected to handle a significant portion of traffic currently using the Ambassador Bridge once completed, with tolls managed by the Canadian federal government.
Detroit — The highly anticipated opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge is now facing delays, with projections suggesting that it may not open until early 2026, a significant shift from the previously expected fall 2025 timeline. These delays are primarily attributed to ongoing issues at the U.S. Customs Port of Entry and various construction projects in southwest Detroit.
The Gordie Howe Bridge project has faced multiple challenges, as outlined in a recent analysis by S&P Global Ratings, which indicates that delays could extend project timelines further. Specifically, issues at the U.S. Port of Entry are expected to set back completion by approximately six months, raising concerns among stakeholders.
Heather Grondin, the Chief Relations Officer of the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority, has disputed the S&P report, emphasizing that it does not accurately reflect Bridging North America’s (BNA) capability to deliver the project as planned. She did not provide confirmation regarding previously discussed dates for the bridge’s opening, particularly the “October or November” timeline mentioned during a public meeting in March.
Currently, the completion of the main construction project is anticipated for September 2025, with readiness for vehicle travel expected in the fall. However, the U.S. Port of Entry complex, which spans 167 acres and includes essential facilities for border protection for both passenger and commercial vehicles, requires six months for preparation following construction. Additional construction is ongoing around the Fort Street area, I-75, and the freeway service drive, which are experiencing delays that were initially scheduled to be completed by May 1.
Notably, a missed “handover date” last September has significantly contributed to the project’s delays. A new target handover date has been set for July 31, but confirmation on whether this milestone has been achieved remains unclear. Due to security concerns, the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority has been limited in the comments it can make regarding certain aspects of the U.S. Port of Entry. Furthermore, U.S. Customs and Border Protection has not provided updates on the current status of the Port of Entry operations.
Despite these challenges, construction is reportedly progressing on all 13 structures at the U.S. Port of Entry. The Michigan interchange portion of this undertaking is expected to be completed by August 31, which is over 120 days behind the original schedule. This work includes the construction of four new road bridges, five pedestrian bridges, and four railway-crossing bridges, all of which are designed to connect to I-75.
Canadian officials estimate that the Gordie Howe International Bridge will eventually accommodate approximately 60% of the traffic currently using the Ambassador Bridge. Once completed, around 6,000 commuters are expected to utilize the bridge daily. Financing for the project has been provided by the Canadian federal government, which will initially manage collection of all tolls associated with the bridge.
The progression of the project has also been impacted by labor shortages, as skilled workers have been redirected to other construction projects in the region. Currently, the construction of the bridge itself has reached an impressive 98% completion level. Grondin underscored the commitment to safety and quality in the work, accentuating the importance of not compromising these critical aspects despite the encountered delays.
Recent reports have indicated that the anticipated opening timeline could extend up to six months if the customs facilities are not handed over by May 2025. It’s important to note that Canada requires the facilities to be operational nine months prior to opening, while the U.S. has set a six-month requirement.
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Additional Resources
- Click on Detroit: Gordie Howe Bridge Construction Delayed
- Wikipedia: Gordie Howe International Bridge
- Detroit News: Gordie Howe Bridge Opening Delayed
- Google Search: Gordie Howe Bridge
- Construction Dive: Gordie Howe Bridge Opening Possible Delay
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gordie Howe International Bridge
- CBS News: Gordie Howe International Bridge Opening Delay
- Google News: Gordie Howe Bridge Delays
- Detroit Free Press: Gordie Howe International Bridge Updates
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.
