Millions of trucks transport billions of dollars in car parts, machinery, and various goods across a narrow stretch of the U.S.-Canada border each year. This area, known as North America’s busiest land crossing, lies between Detroit and Windsor, Ontario.

NPR’s Don Gonyea recently visited this crossing to explore a newly completed but unopened bridge. The Gordie Howe International Bridge, named after the legendary Canadian-born hockey player for the Detroit Red Wings, began construction in 2018. It was initially planned to open early this year.

However, President Trump intervened via a social media post, demanding shared ownership between Canada and the U.S. before permitting the bridge’s opening. Despite months passing and a grand opening scheduled in June by the bridge authority, it was abruptly canceled.

Stephen Laskowski, president of the Canadian Trucking Alliance and head of the Ontario Trucking Association, was en route to the opening when informed of the cancellation. “I was heading out. My wife said, ‘Your phone’s ringing’ … it said, don’t bother going,” Laskowski shared with NPR.

The Canadian government and Michigan jointly own the bridge, with Canada funding the construction costs. Both parties agreed to share toll fees once costs are recovered. Yet, the president found this arrangement insufficient.

Some Canadian politicians suggest that owners of a competing bridge between Detroit and Windsor influenced Trump’s delay. The Moroun family, owning the Ambassador Bridge, has significantly contributed to Republicans recently, including a $1 million donation to a Trump-aligned super PAC.

Gonyea also conversed with WDET reporter Alex McLenon, local Canadian residents, and others to assess the impact of the bridge’s non-operation across North America.