SAWYER, Mich. (AP) — A significant milestone has been reached with the completion of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, which will connect Detroit, Michigan, to Windsor, Ontario, Canada. Officials from both the U.S. and Canada have recently reached an agreement to resolve long-standing disputes that have delayed the bridge's opening. According to sources familiar with the negotiations, the bridge is anticipated to open by the end of the month.

The agreement comes after a postponed ribbon-cutting ceremony that was originally scheduled for June 12. The Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority explained that additional time was necessary to address "outstanding issues." These delays were partly instigated by former President Donald Trump's threats to obstruct the bridge's opening, which added political pressure to the project.

Currently, commercial traffic is expected to commence before August 1, although a specific date for the formal ribbon-cutting ceremony has yet to be determined. Republican U.S. Senate candidate Mike Rogers commented on the development during a recent radio interview, expressing optimism about the imminent announcement of the deal. "This is getting wrapped up. That bridge is going to get open," he remarked.

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, who is a Democrat, lauded the efforts of those involved in the bridge's long-awaited completion. She described the bridge as "a testament to the enduring partnership between Michigan and Canada," emphasizing the collaborative efforts that have led to this achievement.

The Gordie Howe International Bridge spans 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) across the Detroit River, making it an essential infrastructure project, particularly for economic relations between the two nations. Initial plans for the ribbon-cutting ceremony were disrupted after officials stated they were still working on unresolved issues, making the bridge's opening a contentious topic in U.S. politics.

The bridge's delay became a focal point in one of the most closely watched Senate races, providing Democrats with an opportunity to connect Trump's actions to tangible economic impacts in a key battleground state. Trump had previously demanded that Canada surrender at least half ownership of the bridge to the U.S. government as part of broader trade disputes.

Funding for the construction of the bridge has been sourced from Canada, and the project was initially negotiated by former Michigan Governor Rick Snyder. Work on the bridge began in 2018 and has incurred costs nearing $4.4 billion.

Named after the late Canadian hockey legend Gordie Howe, who famously played for the Detroit Red Wings for 25 seasons, the bridge is set to serve as a crucial economic artery between Canada and the United States. The toll bridge will be co-owned by Canada and Michigan and is expected to alleviate congestion at the existing Ambassador Bridge and the Detroit-Windsor tunnel.

The long-standing relationship between Detroit and Windsor is highlighted by the regular movements of residents and visitors crossing the river border for various purposes, including entertainment and shopping. In 2021, Windsor's population was approximately 230,000, and like Detroit, its economy largely focuses on manufacturing and the automotive industry.

Commercial trade between the two cities had primarily relied on the nearly century-old Ambassador Bridge, which is situated closer to downtown Detroit than the newly constructed Gordie Howe Bridge. The Moroun family owns the Ambassador Bridge, and recent federal campaign finance records indicate that Matthew Moroun contributed $1 million to Trump's super PAC earlier this year, further intertwining economic interests with political dynamics.