Officials still mum on Gordie Howe Bridge opening date

Windsorites are eager for Canada's newest border crossing to cut the ribbon and start taking travellers, CTV Windsor's Robert Lothian has the latest on when tha

When the Gordie Howe International Bridge will open to the public remains arguably one of the hottest questions sweeping through Windsor.

Residents filed into a bridge information session in the city’s Sandwich Town neighbourhood on Wednesday evening, eager to get the answer.

They did not.

Heather Grondin, the bridge’s Chief Relations Officer, told a room of about 20 people they didn’t have an opening date to share.

“Our focus right now is testing, commissioning, making sure that our systems are working on their own, working across in an integrated way,” Grondin said.

“We’re making sure our people are trained and looking to ensure everything’s running smoothly for opening day.”

Last fall, Grondin told CTV News the bridge, connecting Windsor to Detroit, Mich., wouldn’t open until early 2026.

As of Wednesday afternoon, Grondin said the “target” for an opening day remains this spring.

“We’re not seeing anything right now that would push us necessarily into summer. It is still going through that testing process, but we’re very focused on meeting that spring timeline,” Grondin told reporters.

There wasn’t any one specific item preventing the bridge from opening, Grondin said.

Instead, work continues to fine-tune and recalibrate systems like the toll booths, lighting, and traffic management.

Delays have not impacted the price tag, which remains at $6.4 billion.

Several questions, from both residents and the media, focused on whether U.S. President Donald Trump has impacted the bridge timeline.

In February, Trump took to social media, threatening to “not allow” the new span to open unless the U.S. is “fully compensated for everything” it has given Canada.

Grondin wouldn’t weigh in on the Trump factor, deferring questions about the president to government agencies and officials.

“That’s really a conversation for Global Affairs or Government of Canada proper. We’re focused on delivering the Gordie Howe International Bridge,” she said.

When asked about the public interest in the bridge’s opening date, Grondin said they’re thankful for the support, but people will have to wait a little longer.

“Please just a little bit more patience with us as we get over our final stage in having the bridge open, and then we will welcome them with open arms across the bridge on opening day,” Grondin said.