Americans react to completion of Gordie Howe bridge amid tensions: 'It's a shame'

tensions between US President Donald Trump based on the tariffs and the tariff war and Trump wanting a little more out of this bridge.It's been delayed but this morning there is actually going to be a ceremony but with Canadian dignitaries only and that is interesting as well.It's a beautiful bridge you can see behind me two and a half kilometers this nice cable -stayed bridge six lanes across much much different than the Ambassador Bridge but this deal between Canada and the US is what has kept it from opening to this point, and it's been a topic of discussion over recent days as well.Again, Trump wanting a little more from this deal, and as a result, we are now at that point.Originally, Canada had financed the cost of this bridge for $6 .4 billion upfront for construction.The initial deal had Canada collecting revenues from tolls to pay off that debt.

Then profits were going to be split between the two.The discussion in recent days about a new deal had Prime Minister Carney trying to clarify comments he had made and the proposed agreement that was made public.The latest, in simple terms, cleared up over the last couple of days.For the first 15 years, Canada will split half of the bridge's net revenue.That's going to go into what's being called a U .S.

Economic Development Fund, so the money won't be recovered by Canada as quickly.and actually took the time to cross over the border and made our way to the other side of the Detroit River.It was clear from the signs on the I -95 when we were there that the bridge was definitely closed.with no access to the public at this time.So we took a trip down to the actual banks of the Detroit River.We actually met up with some folks who were down there actually doing some fishing below the structure itself and got their thoughts about the delays in getting the bridge open.

It should have been open.You know, if we had a better president, it would have been open.You know, it's a shame that he put gotta try to put his name and stamp on everything that was already done.This project was done a long time ago and it's well welcome and it's a beautiful bridge for less pressure on the Ambassador Bridge.

I don't know.You know what's the big issue?You know, there's a ceremony on that side.I think it should be one on this side too, so.

You can tell that those that we spoke to certainly aren't happy that it's taken this long.And that sentiment carries through Detroit and Michigan as well, because there is $300 billion worth of goods that is going to be traveling back and forth across this bridge, a point that Premier Doug Ford made yesterday while at his premier's meeting in PEI, saying it's critical for manufacturers to be able to make sure that this bridge is open.Later this morning, A number of Canadian dignitaries.It's going to include Infrastructure Minister Gregor Robertson.Premier Ford will in fact be here as well as the Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens.The bridge is officially set to open to the public on Monday.