DETROIT — After years of planning, construction and political hurdles, the long-awaited Gordie Howe International Bridge is scheduled to open to traffic on June 15, allowing motorists, pedestrians and cyclists to travel between Detroit and Windsor through a new cross-border connection between the United States and Canada.

The opening of the Canadian-financed bridge comes after an additional delay reportedly tied to tensions in U.S.-Canada trade and political relations during the administration of President Trump.

The $4.7 billion bridge features six lanes for vehicle traffic, along with a dedicated multi-use path for pedestrians and bicyclists. The pathway will make the Gordie Howe Bridge the only border crossing in Michigan that allows people to walk or cycle directly between the United States and Canada.

Invitations for the official ribbon-cutting ceremony, scheduled for Friday, June 12, were distributed following discussions between Michigan Governor Whitmer and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, signaling federal approval for the launch of the new international crossing.

The opening ceremony was expected to take place on June 12 with the participation of senior U.S. and Canadian officials.

The bridge’s opening marks the culmination of more than a decade of planning and development. The project dates back to the administration of former Michigan Governor Snyder, who fought a series of political and legal battles against opponents of the bridge, most notably the Maroun family, owners of the privately held Ambassador Bridge.

Opened in 1929, the Ambassador Bridge has long served as the primary international bridge connecting Detroit and Windsor, alongside the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel beneath the Detroit River.

Named after legendary Canadian hockey player Gordie Howe, the new span stretches approximately 1.5 miles and ranks among the longest cable-stayed bridges in North America.

The bridge directly connects Interstate 75 in Detroit with Highway 401 in Windsor, creating a major transportation corridor for commercial traffic and supply chains between the two countries. Officials say the new crossing will help improve traffic flow, strengthen cross-border trade and provide additional capacity for one of North America’s busiest international gateways.