Michigan’s Gordie Howe Bridge Delayed, New Target Date Announced

Attention, Michigan bridge enthusiasts and those waiting along the waters in Windsor. It looks like we'll be waiting at least another 10 months to cross the Gordie Howe Bridge. Let's take a look at the detours the project has faced that have put the opening of this international bridge off until September 2025.

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Initially, the Gordie Howe Bridge was scheduled for a ribbon-cutting in November 2024, but the $5.7 billion (CND) project hit a few pandemic-sized potholes on the way. Don't forget COVID-19 caused a lot of chaos for crossing into other countries, the US and Canada were no exception.

New Contract, New Price Tag, New Opening Day Target for Gordie Howe Bridge

The Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA) and Bridging North America (BNA) had planned for the 2024 opening until the delay was announced in January. The two entities have rewritten the contract for their partnership, with incentives in place to hit the September 2025 goal, and a new $6.4 billion price tag.

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While this relatively short delay is good news for bridge and international crossing fans, I can't imagine that those living near the construction of the bridge and its access infrastructure are overjoyed to spend another 10 months in a construction zone. The WDBA addressed this directly by extending the Gordie Howe International Bridge Community Benefits Plan by one year.

The Gordie Howe International Bridge Community Benefits Plan plans to invest $3 million (CDN) evenly across Canada and the US, including a $1.25 million investment in community safety.

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So, whether you're a bridge construction connoisseur or you're looking forward to different scenery (sorry Ambassador Bridge, Michigan still loves you) while crossing the international border, mark your calendars for September 2025.