New Lanes Planned for Niagara Crossing

The following press release was issued by Transport Canada on 18 March, and is available in its entirety on the Transport Canada web site, at http://www.tc.gc.ca/mediaroom/releases/nat/2005/05-h042e.htm.

The Federal and Ontario provincial governments have announced the construction of a 5th lane on the Queenston-Lewiston Bridge.

This additional lane will be a dedicated lane for FAST (Free and Secure Trade) approved importers/carriers. This is designed so that for those approved, "less time is spent waiting to cross the border". This lane will connect with the newly constructed lanes on Highway 405.

" Businesses depend on safe, reliable and on-time delivery of goods and services," said Mr. Lapierre (Federal Transport Minister). "Increasing the bridge’s capacity to support the bi-national truck program, Free and Secure Trade, will help decrease congestion at the border and allow for a more efficient flow of goods, services and people."

The addition is estimated at a cost of $45 million, split between both governments and the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission.

In order to access the Northbound FAST lane, C-TPAT (Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism) approval is required. To access the Southbound FAST lane, PIP (Partners in Protection) and CSA (Customs Self Assessment) approval is required. Unicity offers Compliance Consulting services including these security programs, which can guide your company through the application, gaining you access to the designated FAST lanes.