The anticipated opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, connecting Windsor, Ontario and Detroit, may face delays, potentially pushing the completion into 2026. A report from S&P Global indicates that complications in finalizing the ports of entry on both sides of the border are the main cause of the delay. While construction of the bridge itself was reported to be ahead of schedule, the contractor has failed to meet critical deadlines for transferring control of the Canadian port of entry to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).
The report highlights that a shortage of skilled labor, primarily due to heightened demand from the construction of a large battery manufacturing plant in the area, has hindered progress. The CBSA requires nine months of possession before the bridge opens to finalize its preparations, while U.S. Customs and Border Protection needs control of their facility six months prior to the opening.
The Gordie Howe bridge project, which dates back to a 2012 agreement between Canada and Michigan, has overcome several challenges, including opposition from the owner of the nearby Ambassador Bridge and pandemic-related delays. Initially estimated to cost $4.9 billion in 2018, the project’s budget has since increased to $6.4 billion, with Canada currently funding the entire cost and entitled to all toll revenue until the amount is repaid.
Despite the challenges, the bridge’s construction has made significant progress, with 98% of the work complete according to the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority. As safety and quality remain top priorities, the focus is now on final installations and testing. The bridge, which will be adorned with 5,000 decorative lights, is set to greatly enhance cross-border connectivity once completed.
In light of these developments, attention will remain on how construction timelines adapt to meet necessary contractual obligations with border agencies, while the completion promises to deliver economic benefits once operational.