DETROIT (WXYZ) — According to a news release from the Canadian Government, the Gordie Howe International Bridge will open for business on July 27.
The release says that Canada and Michigan have agreed to open the bridge then, with the support of the United States Government. The bridge was set for a ribbon-cutting in June, but it was later delayed when Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority Interim CEO Chuck Andary said in a statement that “Canada and the United States have agreed to delay the opening of the bridge, taking the necessary time to resolve any outstanding issues.”
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Canadian government announces agreement to open Gordie Howe International Bridge on July 27
According to the release:
To support this opening and ensure that benefits are felt on both sides of the border, Canada and the United States have agreed to a series of cooperative measures focused on toll governance and transparency, as well as investments in the region, including through the establishment of a 15-year economic development fund tied to a portion of profits from bridge operations.
The Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority will also work collaboratively with the Government of the United States on toll-rate adjustments, seeking concurrence for certain non-market related toll changes.
Officials have released the following statements about the opening:
After years of planning, partnership, and construction, the Gordie Howe International Bridge will soon be opening – providing a new connection for the region, while strengthening one of the world’s most important trade corridors. This nation-building project is a testament to what Canada can accomplish when we come together with a shared vision. Our gratitude goes to all the staff, workers, partners, and community members who were involved. The Gordie Howe International Bridge will create new opportunities, strengthen our economy, and bring economic benefits on both sides of border for generations to come.
The Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada
The Gordie Howe International Bridge has always been a great deal for our state. Thousands of Michigan workers built this critical bridge, which will speed up auto production, lower costs, ease traffic, strengthen agriculture, and give people on both sides of the border better-paying jobs and brighter futures. I’m proud to have fought for its opening and congratulate my partners who have worked on this issue alongside me for years. This bridge is a testament to the enduring partnership between Michigan and Canada and what we can get done when we think big and bet on our shared future together. Thank you to our allies in Canada and to the Michiganders who advocated for years to get this done. Let’s keep working together to build a bright future for Michigan and Canada.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer, State of Michigan, United States of America
Glenn Stevens Jr., executive director of MichAuto at the Detroit Regional Chamber, explained the new bridge has state-of-the-art security systems and an exit/entryway that leads directly to I-75, which will help when it comes to shipping supplies across the border.
“This new bridge is a six-lane bridge. The current bridge is a four-lane bridge,” Stevens said.
Because of that new infrastructure, Stevens expects the bridge to speed up manufacturing and reduce delays for Detroit automakers.
“For the auto industry, which operates J.I.T., Just In Time delivery, everything moves very quickly in a complex supply chain, so this is definitely something that helps that out,” he added.
This article was originally published by the Scripps News Group station in Detroit.
