US, Canada strike deal to open bridge linking Detroit and Windsor after dispute delayed launch

The United States and Canada have reached a deal to open a new multibillion-dollar bridge linking Detroit and Windsor, Ontario, ending a dispute that delayed the project’s launch. The Gordie Howe International Bridge will open July 27 and become the fourth crossing between Detroit and Canada. The 1½-mile bridge was originally supposed to open last month. The Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority said June 11 that the U.S. and Canada had agreed to put off the opening to "resolve any outstanding issues." President Donald Trump, who earlier this year threatened to block the bridge's opening unless the U.S. had an ownership stake in it, announced on Truth Social early Saturday he "was able to cut a MUCH BETTER DEAL for America." The original deal for the "new and spectacular" bridge was "unacceptable to me," Trump wrote in his post. "The new deal is great, and fair. Thank you and congratulations to the Canadian Government. May we both have many years of success with this wonderful new development!!!" On Friday, the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority said the U.S. and Canada agreed to a "series of cooperative measures" related to how tolls would be charged to drivers. Both sides agreed that half of the net profit the bridge generates will go to a regional development fund, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing a Canadian official.