Border-crossing upgrade almost done

October 24, 2008 04:00 am

— CHAMPLAIN -- Construction of the Port of Excellence border crossing in Champlain is nearly complete.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Field Operations reports that all 10 of the new passenger vehicle lanes were in use at the Champlain-Lacolle crossing for Columbus Day weekend, which was also Canadian Thanksgiving weekend.
The previous facility had seven lanes.
"U.S. Customs and Border Protection looks forward to working in the new state-of-the-art facility, as well as the benefits it will provide to the traveling public," Acting Port Director Steven Bronson said in a news release.
He said there might still be times when the volume of traffic exceeds the capacity to process travelers, causing a longer wait.
Bronson said it is advisable to check traffic conditions and travel options before deciding where to cross the border; those are available at www.cbp.gov.
On Monday, Nov. 10, the NEXUS lane will be returned to its position in the passenger-vehicle lane. Variable-message signs will instruct NEXUS card holders to use the dedicated lane on the far left as they approach the inspection lanes.
Customs and Border Protection officials issued a reminder of the need for travelers age 19 or older to carry documented proof of citizenship.
That can be a single document, such as a passport, NEXUS card or enhanced driver license, or an original or copy of a birth certificate along with a government-issued photo ID, such as a regular driver license.