Cross-border travellers are being advised of delays at the North Portal border crossing on Aug. 20 and 21, due to the construction that is happening at the site.
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) says the delays are expected on Aug. 20 from approximately 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and on Aug. 21, from approximately 4 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Luke Reimer with the CBSA said the work taking place on Aug. 20 is for technical equipment upgrades to improve licence plate readers. It will result in the number of primary inspection lanes being reduced from two to one, as workers will need to safely access the traveller traffic lane to complete installation
In the event of delays, officers will open a separate lane and make use of handheld wireless technology to continue to process traffic.
On Aug. 21, crews will be making road repairs and drilling piles for new light standards. Both Primary inspection line booths will remain open, but the construction will create a bottleneck on the highway leading up to the booths. A flag person will be present to direct traffic.
Travellers entering Canada by car or other light vehicle should consider the Northgate border crossing and the Estevan border crossing as alternate routes. Both ports of entry are open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
The Mercury will have more details as they become available.
