Unfinished Business: The Gordie Howe International Bridge Awaits Its Debut
Each year, a significant volume of trucks, laden with high-value goods such as car parts and machinery, traverse the vital U.S.-Canada border, making it the most trafficked land crossing in North America. This crucial link is found between Detroit and Windsor, Ontario.
Recently, NPR’s Don Gonyea explored this crossing to observe a newly constructed bridge that stands ready yet remains inaccessible to the public.
The Gordie Howe International Bridge, named after the iconic Canadian hockey player for the Detroit Red Wings, commenced construction in 2018. Despite plans for an early 2023 opening, the bridge’s debut was postponed following a social media post by former President Trump.
The delay ensued as Trump insisted that Canada should co-own the bridge with the United States before its inauguration. In June, the bridge authority even arranged an opening ceremony which was abruptly canceled at the last moment.
Stephen Laskowski, who leads the Canadian Trucking Alliance and the Ontario Trucking Association, was on his way to the ceremony when he received the disappointing news. “I was heading out. My wife said, ‘Your phone’s ringing’ … it said, don’t bother going,” Laskowski shared with NPR.
Ownership of the bridge is a joint venture between Canada and Michigan, with Canada covering the initial construction expenses. Both parties plan to divide toll revenue once the investment is recuperated.
However, President Trump remains unsatisfied with this arrangement. Some Canadian politicians speculate that the Moroun family, proprietors of the Ambassador Bridge, may be influencing Trump’s stance, particularly given their significant donations to Republican causes, including a $1 million contribution to a Trump-supporting super PAC.
In discussions with WDET reporter Alex McLenon, Canadian locals, and others, Gonyea delved into the broader impact of the bridge’s delay across North America.
Listen to the full story by clicking on the blue play button above.
