Gordie Howe International Bridge nears opening as U.S. port-of-entry rule takes effect

The new Gordie Howe International Bridge linking Detroit and Windsor is entering its final pre-opening phase after the U.S. Department of Homeland Security issued a final rule designating the crossing as an official port of entry, effective March 2, 2026 (ET). While the bridge is largely built, officials have not announced a public opening date and say the crossing must complete testing, staffing, and operational readiness steps before traffic can begin flowing.

The timing has also become politically charged after President Donald Trump said he wants to stop or delay the opening as part of a broader trade dispute with Canada, injecting uncertainty into what has been billed as a major new artery for U.S.–Canada commerce.

A new crossing built for trucks, commuters, and bikes

The project creates a publicly owned alternative to the privately operated Ambassador Bridge and is designed to provide “highway-to-highway” connectivity between Interstate 75 in Michigan and Highway 401 in Ontario through the nearby freeway approach system. The bridge is built as a six-lane international crossing and includes a separate multi-use path for pedestrians and cyclists, a feature that would make it one of the few places in North America where people can cross the U.S.–Canada border on foot or by bike on a modern dedicated facility.

Supporters argue the bridge will add redundancy to a border corridor that handles a large share of U.S.–Canada trade, easing congestion and reducing the risk that a disruption at one crossing snarls freight movement through the Detroit–Windsor gateway.

The last big hurdle: turning construction into operations

With major construction essentially complete, the remaining work is less visible but decisive: commissioning and testing. That includes verifying bridge lighting, communications, safety systems, emergency response features, and the complex border-processing environment on both sides, including inspection plazas and traffic-control technology.

The port-of-entry rule is a key administrative milestone because it formally brings the new crossing under federal customs and immigration processing authority. Even with that in place, the bridge still needs a separate public notice that it is fully operational before it can open to everyday travelers and commercial traffic.

In practical terms, that means opening day depends on a checklist: systems tests, operational drills, staffing plans, and coordination between U.S. and Canadian border agencies.

Politics adds uncertainty to the opening timeline

The bridge’s final approach to service is unfolding amid renewed friction in U.S.–Canada relations. Trump has publicly threatened to block the opening, framing the project as leverage in trade negotiations and criticizing the financial structure under which Canada financed construction and expects toll revenue to help recover costs.

Canadian officials have pushed back by emphasizing the bridge’s shared cross-border importance, its use of U.S. workers and materials during construction, and the broader economic reliance of both countries on reliable Detroit–Windsor freight links.

It remains unclear what mechanism could be used to halt a project that has been developed through binational agreements and is approaching operational readiness. Still, even a short delay would matter for shippers and manufacturers that plan logistics months in advance.

Why the bridge matters economically

Detroit–Windsor is one of the most active trade corridors in North America, heavily tied to automotive and manufacturing supply chains that depend on predictable border crossing times. Industry groups and regional leaders have long argued that adding a second major, modern highway connection lowers risk and boosts capacity, especially during maintenance closures or incidents at existing crossings.

The bridge also comes with a broader footprint than just the span: expanded inspection plazas and new road connections aim to reduce the amount of cross-border traffic that spills onto local streets, a longstanding complaint in nearby neighborhoods.

Key dates to watch next

What happens next

The most likely near-term updates will involve operational readiness: completion of systems testing, final safety inspections, and staffing for inspection booths and traffic management. Once both sides agree the crossing is ready, officials can announce an opening date and begin transitioning freight and commuters to the new route.

For travelers and trucking companies, the immediate takeaway is simple: the bridge is not yet open, but the regulatory and operational steps are now converging toward a launch window that could arrive quickly once the final tests and staffing pieces are in place.

Sources consulted: Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, The Washington Post