Updated July 24, 2026 – Canadian officials have officially inaugurated the Gordie Howe International Bridge, marking the completion of one of North America’s most significant cross-border infrastructure projects. During a ribbon-cutting ceremony held on July 24, representatives from the Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario, the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority, Bridging North America and members of the Howe family celebrated the opening of the 2.5-km cable-stayed bridge linking Windsor, Ontario, with Detroit, Michigan.
The crossing is scheduled to open to traffic on Monday July 27. It is expected to strengthen trade, logistics and passenger movement between Canada and the United States by providing a modern alternative to the Ambassador Bridge. This is as other bridges continue to advance construction, including Toronto’s Don Valley Crossing Bridge.
Although the ceremony proceeded without U.S. federal officials amid ongoing trade tensions, Canadian leaders emphasized the bridge’s long-term role in supporting economic growth, cross-border commerce and bilateral cooperation.
Gordie Howe International Bridge Project Fact Sheet
Location
- Spans the Detroit River between Detroit, Michigan and Windsor, Ontario
- Provides a direct freeway-to-freeway connection between Interstate 75 and Highway 401
Project Type
- International cable-stayed highway bridge
- Cross-border transportation infrastructure
Project Cost
- Approximately CA$5.7 billion under the design-build-finance-operate-maintain (DBFOM) contract.
Gordie Howe International Bridge Specifications
- Total bridge length: approximately 2.5 km (1.6 miles)
- Main span: 853 m, making it the longest cable-stayed bridge in North America
- Six traffic lanes
- Dedicated pedestrian and cycling path
- 16 toll lanes at the border plazas
Construction Timeline
- Procurement awarded: July 2018
- Construction commenced: July 2018
- Bridge deck connection completed: June 2024
- Official ribbon-cutting: July 24, 2026
- Opens to vehicle traffic: July 27, 2026
- Multi-use path opens: August 5, 2026
Owner
- Government of Canada
Project Delivery Authority
- Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority
Delivery Model
- Public-Private Partnership (P3)
- Design-Build-Finance-Operate-Maintain (DBFOM)
Private Consortium
- Bridging North America
Principal Companies
- AECOM – Lead designer and design manager
- Dragados Canada – Major civil construction
- Fluor Corporation – Construction and operations partner
- Aecon Group – Construction and long-term operations
- ACS Infrastructure – Operations and maintenance partner
Major Government Stakeholders
- Government of Canada
- Government of Ontario
- State of Michigan
- Canada Border Services Agency
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection
- Transport Canada
- Infrastructure Canada
Gordie Howe International Bridge Construction Updates
Reported June 21, 2025 – The two gigantic cranes situated on either side of the Detroit River are now coming down after 5 years. The removal of the cranes that rise 797 feet above the ground are a significant milestone that bring the project closer to completion with only 5% of the construction work remaining.
Gordie Howe International Bridge construction advances with tower erections
Reported June 29, 2023 – Significant progress is being made in the construction of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, as the bridge decking is currently underway across the river. The construction is proceeding smoothly, and the bridge is steadily approaching its towering height of 220 meters. On both sides of the river, construction activities are in full swing as they gear up for a bustling summer season. The primary focus at the moment is the installation of cable stays, which will connect the bridge between Windsor, Ontario, and Detroit, Michigan.
Heather Grondin, the Vice President of Corporate Affairs and External Relations for the Windsor Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA), emphasized that they are currently in the midst of the most intensive construction phase they have experienced thus far.
A dedicated workforce of approximately 2,000 employees is tirelessly working across all aspects of the project to ensure the bridge is completed on schedule. Grondin proudly shared that more than 9,000 individuals have contributed to the Gordie Howe International Bridge project in some capacity, with 42% of them hailing from Windsor or Detroit. The progress is undeniable, with the towers on each side of the river ascending to nearly 200 meters.
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The Gordie Howe International Bridge is well on schedule to open in summer of 2024
Bridging North America, the contracted construction company, is utilizing an innovative imbalanced cantilever technique. To attach the cable supports from the towers to the bridge deck as the towers continue to rise. On each side, more than 30 cables have already been successfully installed in Gordie Howe International Bridge. Once completed, each side will showcase over 200 cable stays, resembling elegant boat sails. Grant Hilbers, the Vice President of Engineering at WDBA, explained the construction process. Stating, “As each section of the bridge is constructed, new cables or stays are installed to transfer the load. Allowing construction to advance and supporting the weight as the next section takes shape.” Each connected cable contributes to the gradual extension of the bridge deck across the river.
Presently, eight out of the 27 bridge deck sections have been installed on both the Canadian and American sides. Eventually, the Gordie Howe International Bridge sections will seamlessly connect in the center. Hilbers revealed that once all sections are in place. The final lock section will be installed, anticipated to occur in the summer of 2024.
Bridging North America is diligently adhering to the completion timeline, targeting November 2024 for the bridge’s grand opening. Once operational, the Gordie Howe International Bridge will serve as a pivotal link between the two cities. It will be facilitating smooth transportation and stimulating remarkable economic growth in the region.
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