Niagara Border Crossing Adds New Lane to Reduce Congestiontitle
NIAGARA FALLS, Ontario, Nov. 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Border
efficiency and support for the worlds largest trading relationship are
getting a significant boost with completion of a major construction project at
the Queenston-Lewiston Bridge. The Government of Canada, the Province of
Ontario and the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission celebrated the completion of
the $45-million, fifth-lane Queenston-Lewiston Bridge expansion project today
with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the center of the bridge.
The event was attended by Walt Lastewka, Parliamentary Secretary to the
Minister of Public Works and Government Services, on behalf of federal
Transport Minister Jean-C. Lapierre; Ontario Transportation Minister Harinder
Takhar; and the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission Chairman, from New York State,
Robert E. Lewis.
The Queenston-Lewiston Bridge is the fourth busiest crossing between the
U.S. and Canada with more than one million trucks crossings every year. After
an aggressive 10-month construction period, the Queenston-Lewiston Bridge will
now offer an additional lane of traffic. The fifth lane will be available
primarily to commercial trucks enrolled in the bi-national Canada-U.S. Free
and Secure Trade pre-screening program.
"Trade between the United States and Canada contributes to growth in both
our economies and provides consumers with greater choice," said Mr. Lastewka.
"These improvements at the border will be of tremendous benefit to Canadian
and American commerce, tourism and trade."
The fifth lane project was funded by the Government of Canada, the
Province of Ontario and the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission under the Border
Infrastructure Fund. Each partner contributed $15 million to the project.
"The additional lane will reduce delays for commercial and consumer
traffic while enhancing security at the Niagara border," said Mr. Lewis.
In addition to the new lane on the bridge itself, new lanes on Highway 405
are now open for trucks travelling to the United States. By giving trucks a
dedicated lane to U.S. Customs, beginning well back from the bridge, safety
will be improved, congestion reduced and crossing efficiency enhanced.
The Niagara Falls Bridge Commission is the international entity that owns,
operates and manages the Queenston-Lewiston, Rainbow and Whirlpool Bridges.
The Commission is governed by eight Commissioners, four named by the Premier
of Ontario and four appointed by the Governor of New York. It is self-
supported through tolls and tenant leases.
