The Gordie Howe International Bridge, connecting Detroit and Windsor and previously delayed due to controversy, will officially open on July 27 after the Canadian government agreed to share the net toll profits with the United States.
Officials familiar with the matter said that this concession by Canada was ultimately approved by US President Trump. A view of the Gordihowa International Bridge in June 2026, taken in Windsor. Photo: Dan Janisse / Windsor Star
This agreement ends the tense standoff between the two countries. Previously, Canada had covered the entire construction cost of the new C$6.4 billion (US$4.5 billion) bridge spanning the Detroit River. The project had been opposed for years by the existing owners of the Ambassador Bridge, who recently made a large donation to a political group associated with Trump.
Under the new agreement, Canada will allocate half of its operating profits, after deducting operating costs, to a regional development fund established by the United States. Several officials stated that the original text of the agreement, which only involved Canada and the state of Michigan, remains unchanged. The Canadian government issued a press release stating that the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority will also collaborate with the U.S. on toll adjustments, requiring U.S. approval for some non-market-related rate changes, but did not disclose further details.
The press release also mentioned that the agreement includes establishing a 15-year economic development fund linked to the bridge’s operating profits. U.S. officials stated that the fund will be controlled by the United States. Earlier reports indicated that U.S. Commerce Secretary Lutnick pushed for delays in the bridge’s opening in order to secure a larger share of toll revenue. The original agreement stipulated that Canada could exclusively enjoy the bridge’s toll revenue until the construction costs were recovered, after which the revenue would be split equally between Michigan and Canada.
The new agreement does not change this arrangement, but some officials say that Canada has agreed to a supplementary agreement with the US to allocate a portion of the initial toll revenue to the United States. Although the Canadian announcement did not provide specific details, officials stated that Michigan and Canada will continue to split toll revenue equally after recovering costs, and the new agreement will not affect Michigan’s share. In a statement released on Truth Social, Trump said the new agreement gave “America a better deal,” and therefore the bridge would open on July 27.
The plan to launch in June was postponed after U.S. Commerce Secretary Lutnick called for renegotiation to secure greater benefits. Some officials stated that any toll adjustments exceeding 10% would also require U.S. approval. This agreement was reached after two weeks of intensive negotiations between the U.S. and Canada. The office of Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer had previously confirmed that an agreement had been reached. “The Gordie Howe International Bridge has always been a major boon to our state,” Whitmer said in a statement Friday.
“I am proud of my efforts in securing the bridge’s opening and thank my partners who have worked alongside me for many years.” Mike Rogers, the Republican Senate candidate from Michigan, posted on social media that he has spoken with Lutnick and that the new bridge will open “soon.” Michigan is considered one of the states with the best chance of a Republican breakthrough in this year’s Senate election. U.S. Commerce Secretary Lutnick believes the bridge issue is unrelated to current trade negotiations. President Trump has decided not to renew the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) and instead push for an annual review of the agreement.