Port Huron, MI. - On Monday April 9, Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) will begin construction on extra inspection booths at the Blue Water Bridge in Port Huron, MI. The construction at this U.S. Customs and Border Protection crossing is being funded jointly by MDOT, the Blue Water Bridge Canada and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
During this time, lanes 10,11 and 12 will be shut down for construction. The purpose of the improvements is to increase the efficient processing of legitimate cross-border travelers and to enhance border security. CBP is asking for travelers' patience and understanding throughout the construction phase.
"As always, during times of peak travel CBP will work closely with the Blue Water Bridge Canada and the Canada Border Services to continually monitor traffic patterns to minimize the impact," said Port Director David Dusellier. "Once completed, wait times will be reduced with the addition of these new lanes."
Construction on the lanes is scheduled to take approximately two months and be completed by late May 2012.
Frequent cross-border travelers are encouraged to participate in the NEXUS program, which allows pre-screened, low-risk travelers to proceed with little or no delay into the United States and Canada. Also, those who regularly cross should plan accordingly and allow extra travel time or use an alternate crossing such as Marine City or Algonac Port of Entries.
Travelers can also check the CBP Web site for hourly updates on wait times and numbers of lanes open. (Border Wait Times) The web site does advise viewers that construction is underway.