The construction of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, linking Windsor, Ontario, and Detroit, has been mostly finished since February. However, a significant lawsuit challenging Canada’s decision to proceed with the bridge may not go to trial until 2027 or 2028, as per a recent federal briefing note. The note, dated February 17, 2026, and obtained through an access-to-information request by CBC News, was prepared for federal Housing and Infrastructure Minister Gregor Robertson by deputy minister Paul Halucha.
According to the document, the Gordie Howe International Bridge construction is at an advanced stage, with only some final tasks remaining, including commissioning and testing of essential systems. The opening of the bridge is pending final certifications and readiness from Canadian and U.S. agencies.
This briefing note was created shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump’s public statement threatening to halt the bridge’s opening unless the U.S. received benefits from it, despite the bridge being solely funded and built by Canada. The document also reveals that the bridge has faced numerous legal challenges, with 19 out of 22 cases already won by Canada.
One ongoing lawsuit involves the Canadian Transit Company, operators of the Ambassador Bridge, claiming protection from competition due to a historical implied right dating back to 1921. This lawsuit alleges that Canada violated this right by constructing the Gordie Howe International Bridge. Several other legal challenges, including a NAFTA arbitration claim and a dispute over century-old franchise rights, are also in progress.
The Gordie Howe International Bridge’s completion is eagerly anticipated by truckers and industry associations due to the cost savings and efficiency it will bring compared to the existing Ambassador Bridge. The new bridge is expected to redirect traffic flows and reduce toll costs significantly, benefiting commercial transportation and trade between Canada and the U.S.
Despite delays and budget overruns, the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority remains committed to opening the Gordie Howe International Bridge in the spring. Infrastructure Canada, overseeing the project, has not provided specific details on the opening date but reassured that progress is being made towards the bridge’s completion, emphasizing its importance as a vital economic link between the two countries.