Officials overseeing the Gordie Howe International Bridge have clarified that no grand opening date has been established, despite recent comments by Ontario Premier Doug Ford suggesting he would soon attend the event. The bridge, which has faced multiple delays, is expected to open sometime this spring.
Officials Respond to Ford's Statement
On Tuesday, Premier Ford told reporters at Queen's Park that he would be traveling to Michigan for the bridge's opening. However, Tara Carson, director of communications for the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA), stated in an email that the project team is progressing well but has not confirmed a specific date.
"Details regarding the opening, including the date, depend on the completion of the ongoing quality reviews and testing and commissioning activities," Carson said. "Updates will be provided once that information is available."
Ford's Comments Spark Speculation
Ford's remarks on Tuesday fueled speculation about an imminent announcement. He mentioned crossing his fingers that U.S. President Donald Trump would not block the bridge, referencing a previous threat from Trump. The premier's office declined to comment further on Thursday.
The $6.4-billion bridge, which will directly connect Ontario's Highway 401 to Michigan's Interstate 75, has seen its opening date pushed back multiple times since construction began in October 2018. Originally set for the end of 2024, the date was moved to fall 2025, then early 2026, and now to this spring.
Political and Logistical Challenges
In February, President Trump posted on social media threatening to block the bridge's opening, a reversal from his earlier support for fast-tracking the project. The New York Times reported that Trump's post followed a meeting between U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnik and Matthew Moroun, owner of the Ambassador Bridge, whose family has long opposed the publicly owned Gordie Howe Bridge.
Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens has proposed tolls on truck traffic using Huron Church Road until the new bridge opens. Ford praised the idea but did not commit to it. The WDBA moved closer to an opening date in March by announcing toll rates for the bridge.
Despite the uncertainty, officials remain optimistic. "The project team is progressing well toward opening this spring," Carson reiterated.
