Canada celebrates completion of new Detroit River bridge
Canada on Friday celebrated the completion of a new bridge to the US over the Detroit River, a multibillion-dollar, multiyear project that will serve as a critical path for trade and casual travel between the countries.
With the six-lane Gordie Howe International Bridge dominating the skyline behind them, officials lined up in Windsor, Ontario, to hail what one described as “one of the most significant infrastructure achievements in Canada’s history.” Traffic opens Monday. “Some days are remembered because they mark the end of a journey. Others are remembered because they mark the beginning of something entirely new. Today is both,” said Chuck Andary, interim CEO of the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority, which will operate the bridge.
Missing from the event: US and Michigan representatives. Canada scratched a joint gathering after President Donald Trump this week suddenly announced 50 per cent tariffs on Canadian goods entering the US. A soloist sang the national anthem, “O Canada,” but the US anthem was not performed. “It’s regretful that we’re at this point in time with our trade relationship. We’re hopeful for better days ahead,” Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens told WXYZ-TV in Detroit a few days ahead of the ceremony. More than 70 per cent of Canada’s exports go to the US, making America its largest trade partner, and Detroit is the No. 1 port for truck traffic on the US-Canada border, according to the US Department of Transportation.
