The completion of the Gordie Howe International Bridge connecting Windsor, Ontario, and Detroit occurred in February, according to a recent federal briefing note. However, a lawsuit challenging the Canadian government’s decision to construct the bridge might not go to trial until 2027 or 2028. The briefing note, dated February 17, 2026, was disclosed through an access-to-information request by CBC News.
The document mentioned that the construction of the bridge is mostly finished, with only final tasks such as commissioning and testing of critical systems remaining. The opening is pending final certifications and coordinated readiness between Canadian and U.S. agencies. This update came shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump publicly threatened to halt the bridge’s opening unless the U.S. received benefits, despite Canada solely funding and building the bridge.
Legal battles have surrounded the Gordie Howe International Bridge, with private owners of the Ambassador Bridge filing 22 legal challenges over the past two decades. Canada has successfully defended 19 cases, with three remaining, including a significant trial set for late 2027 or early 2028. The Canadian Transit Company, operated by the Ambassador Bridge owners, argues that Parliament’s creation of the company in 1921 implied protection from competing crossings, which they allege Canada violated by constructing the new bridge.
The ongoing legal disputes, including a NAFTA arbitration claim and a challenge to century-old franchise rights by the Ambassador Bridge owners, highlight the complexities of developing cross-border infrastructure. The new bridge aims to improve trade flows and alleviate congestion in the region, with tolls expected to be significantly lower than those at the Ambassador Bridge.
The Ontario Trucking Association and Canadian Trucking Alliance express eagerness for the Gordie Howe International Bridge to open, as it would offer cost savings and logistical advantages over the Ambassador Bridge. The delayed opening has resulted in financial losses for the supply chain, emphasizing the urgency of completing the project.
Despite setbacks, the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority remains optimistic about a spring opening for the Gordie Howe International Bridge. Infrastructure Canada, overseeing the project, refrained from commenting on specific timelines or legal challenges but emphasized the bridge’s importance as a crucial economic link between the two countries. Updates on the bridge’s progress will be shared as new information becomes available.