CHAMPLAIN — The installation of new radio technology may cause slight delays at the border crossing here during the next three weeks.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials say they will closely monitor wait times as the Radio Frequency Identification Technology is installed to help improve cross-border travel.

The technology is expected to securely reduce processing time by gathering document-identifier information as travelers approach border-inspection stations.

Officials said the technology doesn't transmit personal data, but gathers basic information officers need to access on secure internal networks.

The installation will begin Monday and is expected to be finalized by April 10.

It will be added to two lanes at a time with each lane taking about two days to complete.

"We are very cognizant of border wait times," Champlain Port Director Paul Mongillo said in a news release.

"CBP will staff all available primary lanes commensurate with arriving traffic, and will maintain staffing in those lanes until traffic subsides."

The technology is part of the new Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative requirements, which take effect June 1.

The new travel-documentation demands and radio technology are expected to provide faster and more secure access across the border.

During construction, travelers can plan in advance and monitor travel times by visiting www.cbp.gov.

E-mail Andrea VanValkenburg at: avanvalkenburg@pressrepublican.com