WINDSOR, Ontario – Thousands gathered in Windsor to celebrate the completion of the Gordie Howe International Bridge.
Canadian officials confirmed the long-awaited international crossing will open to vehicle traffic at noon Monday, July 27, 2026, capping years of construction on a project designed to strengthen trade and travel between Canada and the United States.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony marked a major milestone for the six-lane bridge linking Windsor, Ontario, and Detroit.
Pedestrians and cyclists will be able to cross beginning Aug. 5.
Despite the celebratory atmosphere, the event unfolded against a backdrop of strained U.S.-Canada relations.
The ceremony featured only Canadian officials, with no U.S. government representatives in attendance as trade tensions between the two countries continue.
The politics may be tense, but on Friday (July 24) Windsor felt like a neighborhood celebration as residents cheered, smiled and counted down the days until the bridge opens to traffic.
Political tensions overshadow opening ceremony
Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens reflected on the challenges the project overcame, including the COVID-19 pandemic and recent trade disputes.
“This bridge has risen, amidst a global pandemic, against a trade war that exemplifies all this bridge stands for,” Dilkens said during the ceremony.
Canadian officials said the decision to hold Friday’s celebration without U.S. officials was intended to focus on the bridge’s opening.
“Given the back and forth between our levels of government, we thought it’s more important to celebrate here in Canada today, getting the bridge open on Monday and working together moving forward,” one official said.
The absence of U.S. officials came as President Donald Trump commented on the bridge in a post on Truth Social.
Trump said Canada had “disinvited the United States of America to the opening,” adding that he did not mind because Canada is paying substantial tariffs on goods exported to the United States.
The president also said the original agreement governing the bridge “no longer stands” and claimed his administration renegotiated the arrangement so the United States will receive 50% of the bridge’s profits.
Canadian officials did not address Trump’s claims during Friday’s ceremony.
Howe family reflects on bridge bearing hockey legend’s name
The bridge is named for the late Red Wings legend Gordie Howe, whose career and legacy are closely tied to both Detroit and Canada.
For Howe’s family, the opening represented a moment of pride mixed with disappointment over the political divisions surrounding the event.
“I just wish everybody, that side, this side, were all here,” said Murray Howe, Gordie Howe’s son. “But obviously it didn’t happen. But I know Gordie’s happy. One step at a time.”
Officials say the Gordie Howe International Bridge is expected to ease congestion at the nearby Ambassador Bridge while improving one of North America’s busiest commercial border crossings.
Vehicle traffic is scheduled to begin Monday, with pedestrian and bicycle access opening Aug. 5.