U.S. President Barack Obama has approved the construction of a second bridge between Detroit and Windsor, Ontario.

A presidential permit awarded Friday by the U.S. Department of State allows Michigan and Canada to move forward with their span over the Detroit River.

Construction could be finished in seven years, though lawsuits challenging the project have been filed by owners of the current border bridge.

The key permit comes 10 months after Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Governor  Rick Snyder struck a deal by which Canada will pay for the bridge.

Late last year, Michigan voters rejected an attempt by Ambassador Bridge owners to slow down or halt construction.

The U.S. State Department says granting the permit will “serve the national interest.”