HOMELAND SECURITY: Border crossings undergoing upgrades

Local News

October 22, 2008

Staff Reports The Tonawanda News Wed Oct 22, 2008, 12:08 AM EDT

Travelers going across the three local bridges to Canada should plan for delays during the next month.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is installing Radio Frequency Identification Technology at all four border crossings. Installation will occur simultaneously at the Rainbow, Lewiston-Queenston and Peace Bridge border crossings, starting this week and is scheduled for completion by Nov. 23.

In an attempt to minimize the impact, construction will only occur during weekdays and only two lanes per crossing will be under construction at a time, with each lane taking approximately two days to complete.

The use of RFID technology will provide border officers with passenger and law enforcement information as the traveler approaches the primary inspection booth. The hope is the process will result in reduced processing time and a more secure process.

“We are very cognizant of border wait times” said Buffalo Port Director Joseph Wilson. “CBP will staff all available primary lanes commensurate with arriving traffic, and will maintain staffing in those lanes until traffic subsides.”

The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative requires the use of compliant documents that prove both citizenship and identity by June 1, 2009. RFID technology will be used in passport cards, enhanced driver’s licenses, and trusted traveler program cards such as NEXUS and Free and Secure Trade.

RFID is touted as a secure technology that captures a randomly assigned number from the document just as the traveler approaches the border inspection station. No personal data is contained or transmitted by the RFID cards; the numerical identifier serves only as a pointer to gather information from CBP’s secure network for the officer.

Travelers are encouraged to prepare for cross-border activity in advance. Travelers can obtain local border traffic conditions by visiting niagarafallsbridges.com or by calling the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission’s toll free number at 1-800-715-6722.

Text Only

Local News

Town cop faces disciplinary action
Assessor chosen; meeting scheduled over Amigone crematory.

February 7, 2012
New York ties safety record
Four fatalities, 26 injured.

February 7, 2012
Senate passes bus legislation
Bills intended to make riding bus safer for students, enhance communication.

February 7, 2012
Lasting legacy
Parks and Recreation chief Foels, longest-tenured city employee, even busier in retirement.

February 7, 2012 2 Photos
NT coach fired for relationship
Superintendent says criminal charges will not be filed.

February 7, 2012 1 Photo
No new vet for Niagara SPCA
Lawyers and board members will meet with state attorney general’s representative later today.

February 7, 2012
A red carpet affair
On Feb. 12, the red carpet will be rolled out, the champagne will flow, the flashbulbs will be popping and, yes, the paparazzi will be swarming.

February 4, 2012 2 Photos
Two arrested after traffic stop
Two women were arrested following a traffic stop and subsequent dispute with City of Tonawanda police early Saturday.

February 4, 2012
DWI suspect hit signs on way to KFC
A Niagara Falls man was arrested for DWI and other traffic charges Friday night after striking two traffic signs on the Twin Cities Memorial Highway on his way to pick up some fried chicken.

February 4, 2012
School Wide Web
Starpoint eighth graders lead Friday special event.

February 3, 2012 1 Photo
More Local News Headlines

Local News

Search Results

HOMELAND SECURITY: Border crossings undergoing upgrades

Site Map

Contact Us