New technology has been installed at the Peace and Lewiston-Queenston Bridges to help motorists cross the U.S.-Canadian border faster.


Advanced sensor technology near customs plazas and approach roads will measure and report delays and relay the information to motorists. People will be able to plan their routes better, time their crossing and select the bridge with the best wait-times.

"With this new technology, accurate, up-to-the-minute crossing times will be posted well before you reach the border," says Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Rob Nicholson.

This new system is expected to reduce border wait times for the public and commercial carriers by up to one million hours per year. Up-to-date information on the Peace Bridge and Lewiston-Queenston Bridge websites will help drivers plan and save money on fuel by avoiding congestion.

This project supports commitments under the Beyond the Border Action Plan announced by Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper and U.S. President Barack Obama on December 7, 2011. Under this plan, Canada and the U.S. committed to reduce, eliminate and prevent barriers to cross-border trade and travel and install border wait time measurement technology at the top 20 land crossings.

The border wait time technology will also:
- Help border agencies better manage traffic volume by providing reliable information for planning purposes
- Ensure more efficient border operations by allowing border agencies to focus resources on security
- Reduce environmental impacts by decreasing vehicle emissions from border congestion and delays

This project was completed in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Canada Border Services Agency and Transport Canada.

For more information: http://www.dhs.gov/files/publications/beyond-the-border.shtm