DETROIT – Construction of the Gordie Howe International Bridge is finished, and the Department of Homeland Security says it is ready to open.
President Donald Trump has also said he signed off on a new deal to get traffic moving across the span.
But escalating trade tensions and a war of words on both sides of the U.S.-Canada border have once again thrown plans into uncertainty.
The bridge’s opening, originally expected in June, was abruptly canceled just before the planned ceremony.
Canadian officials now say the crossing will open Monday, July 27.
U.S. officials, however, are not offering the same clarity.
In an effort to pin down a definitive answer, Local 4 spent Wednesday morning emailing and calling officials on both sides of the border.
At first, we received no response.
Then we received a statement from Canada. It read:
“In light of trade action threatened by the United States earlier this week, it would be inappropriate to proceed with a celebratory event between the two countries.
The Gordie Howe International Bridge remains a vital infrastructure project that reflects years of hard work and will be a major economic driver in the region, expanding options for commuters, tourists, businesses, and families.
In turn, we remain committed to opening the bridge on July 27th, and to celebrating this milestone among Canadians on July 24th.
The Canada-Michigan Crossing Agreement and the recently negotiated parallel Agreement in Principle between Canada and the United States remain unchanged.”
Arianna Durgerian, Press Secretary Office of the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure
The White House’s response to questions about whether the United States would hold its own opening ceremony or whether it considers the bridge to open Monday was less direct.
“Nothing will change the fact that President Trump renegotiated an incredible deal for America on the Gordie Howe Bridge, and nothing will deter President Trump from negotiating more good deals for American workers, industries, and taxpayers.”
Kush Desai, White House spokesman
Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield said she did not yet have specifics on what’s happening but remains cautiously hopeful about a Monday opening.
“Overall, the Gordie Howe Bridge will serve as a major economic engine for Detroit and the state; it will be vital for our economy, and I’m very optimistic and hopeful that things will move forward,” Sheffield said.
Experts said the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the bridge, which has stretched on for months, is unsettling for businesses that depend on predictable cross-border trade.
“It’s not helping businesses have the clarity they need to make long-term decisions, which is what a lot of these manufacturing decisions and even figuring out sourcing relations,” said Jason Miller, a professor of supply chain management at Michigan State University. “You’re planning on sourcing for at least a year, if not longer, in many of these instances. And so it is hampering business decision-making.”
Local 4 has reached back out to the White House for clarification on whether the U.S. considers the bridge opening to be moving forward on Monday and whether a separate U.S. ceremony is planned.