The United States and Canada have postponed the opening of the $4.7 billion Gordie Howe International Bridge linking Detroit and Windsor, Ontario, just days before a planned inauguration, amid ongoing bilateral discussions.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony had been scheduled for Friday, but the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority said the two countries had agreed to delay the opening to allow time to resolve remaining issues.
Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens welcomed the bridge project but suggested Canada should not compromise its position to secure its launch.
Meanwhile, U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra said he and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick are leading talks with Canadian officials regarding the bridge's opening.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney sought to downplay concerns, saying the crossing would benefit businesses, tourists and residents on both sides of the border for decades.
"Everyone's working hard to make sure the bridge is open as soon as possible. There's no big drama. If it takes a little longer, it'll take a little longer," Carney said.
The White House has not publicly commented on the delay.
Earlier this year, U.S. President Donald Trump suggested he could prevent the bridge from opening, citing disputes with Canada over alcohol sales, dairy tariffs and Ottawa's trade relations with China.
The issue also drew scrutiny because Matthew Moroun, owner of the competing Ambassador Bridge, met with Commerce Secretary Lutnick in February and had previously donated $1 million to a Trump-aligned political action committee. Congressional Democrats alleged that Moroun sought to use his influence to protect his business interests, a claim that has not been proven.
Construction of the Gordie Howe International Bridge began in 2018 and was financed by Canada after the United States declined to contribute funding. The project is expected to recover costs through toll revenues over a 30-year period.
The crossing is designed to ease congestion at the privately owned Ambassador Bridge, the busiest freight gateway on the U.S.-Canada border. According to 2023 data, commercial trucks carried goods worth $126 billion through the crossing.
A study by the University of Windsor estimated the new bridge would reduce crossing times by around 20 minutes and generate savings of approximately $2.3 billion for truck operators over three decades.
The delay comes against the backdrop of broader tensions between Washington and Ottawa. Since returning to office, Trump has imposed significantly higher tariffs on Canada and has repeatedly criticised trade arrangements with the country's northern neighbour.
This week, he also suggested he may not renew the North American free trade agreement that includes both Canada and Mexico, adding further uncertainty to the bilateral economic relationship.
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