Windsor MP says public deserves answers on Gordie Howe bridge opening date

CBC

12 hours ago

'Straight answer' needed on opening date of Gordie Howe bridge, says Windsor West MP
12 hours ago
Duration 1:44
The MP who represents the area that includes the Gordie Howe International Bridge in Windsor, Ont., says the public deserves "a straight answer" on exactly when the new border crossing will be open to traffic.
"This construction project is more than just a simple bridge, it's a vital economic lifeline for Windsor and Canada – given the volume of trade that flows through our border," Windsor West Conservative MP Harb Gill said in a statement to CBC News.
"Our community deserves clear, consistent communication, not conflicting timelines."
Despite promises the bridge will open this fall, a firm date has yet to be announced.
The opening of the bridge will cap off a highly anticipated megaproject that has been in the works long before construction began in 2018.
The bridge will provide a third vehicle crossing between Windsor, Ont., and Detroit, supporting a crucial corridor for Canada-U.S. trade.
The cost for the six-lane, 2.5-kilometre crossing was estimated at $6.4 billion as of last year, with the Canadian side footing the bill.
On Tuesday, the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA) — the Crown corporation overseeing the project — said it's too early to provide an opening date but "work is progressing well towards our anticipated completion in fall 2025."
"We have an estimated two per cent of construction work remaining," Heather Grondin, chief relations officer for the WDBA, said in a statement. Grondin added that the agency prioritizes infrastructure quality and employee safety.
WATCH: What's the best view of the Gordie Howe bridge?
What's the best view of the Gordie Howe International Bridge?
9 days ago
CBC's Mike Evans went around Windsor, Ont., and neighbouring LaSalle snapping pictures of the Gordie Howe bridge to illustrate unique views of the crossing. He talks about his photo journey with CBC host Amy Dodge.
Asked to respond to Gill's comment, the bridge authority said it's "committed to keeping everyone informed as we work toward the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge."
Gill said he is awaiting a response from agencies and partners on the project regarding the opening date.
"We believe that the people of Windsor-Essex deserve a straight answer," he said.
CBSA confirms it's ready to take over port of entry
The bridge authority has yet to address an April report by ratings agency S&P Global that suggested the opening date could be delayed until sometime in 2026.
That report claimed there were delays in handing over ports of entry to border services agencies that could throw the timeline off course.
However, a spokesperson for the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) told CBC News on Tuesday that handover of the Canadian port of entry facilities began early this year, and staff are beginning to occupy the space.
"The CBSA will be ready to provide services at the Canadian port of entry by the opening date," CBSA spokesperson Jacqueline Roby said in an email.
On the U.S. side, Customs and Border Protection did not provide comment.
What work is happening now?
Though the work at the bridge may be less visible following the completion of the bridge deck connecting the U.S. and Canadian sides last year, there's plenty of activity underway.
According to the WDBA, the ongoing work includes:
On the bridge itself, the installation of electrical, signage, lighting, fire suppression, lights and more.
At the Canadian port of entry, interior work such as installing flooring, light fixtures and cabinets is taking place, as well as exterior work like landscaping and paving. Similar work is happening on the U.S. port of entry.
On the U.S. side, the "final steps" are underway for the ramps connecting 1-75 to the U.S. port of entry, such as line painting and signage. Work is also ongoing on local road improvements on the U.S. side and five new pedestrian bridges.
Building and testing of the technological systems at the crossing. For example, the technology that allows the toll booth to capture and read an RFID tag on a vehicle.