Gordie Howe International Bridge will open July 27 after toll profit renegotiation

Canada's newest cross-border crossing, the Gordie Howe International Bridge, will finally open on July 27 after weeks of delays caused by toll profit negotiations with the United States.

The bridge connects Windsor, Ontario with Detroit, Michigan and is the first to connect Highway 401 with Interstate 75. Unlike the neighbouring privately owned Ambassador Bridge, the Gordie Howe is publicly owned by the Government of Canada and the State of Michigan.

The bridge has six lanes and measures 853 metres in length — the longest cable-stayed bridge in North America. It was originally slated to open in early June, but Prime Minister Mark Carney delayed the ribbon-cutting, saying there was "no big drama" and "if it takes a little longer, it'll take a little longer."

In February, U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to block the opening if the U.S. wasn't "fully compensated." Canada ultimately conceded to Trump's demands: Canada will receive only 50 per cent of the toll profits, with the other 50 per cent — after operational costs are deducted — going into a U.S.-owned economic development fund for 15 years. The U.S. must agree to toll increases over 10 per cent.

Previously, the Canadian government was to receive 100 per cent of net toll profits and use it to pay off the $6.4 billion cost to build the bridge. Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Gregor Robertson said the opening will "provide a new connection for the region, while strengthening one of the world's most important trade corridors."