North Portal border crossing expansion is underway

Construction has started on the expansion of the border crossing at North Portal.

Luke Reimer, a communications officer for the Canada Border Services Agency’s Prairie Region, said work began at the end of May, and is expected to last for 18 to 24 months.

“The project is going to enhance the border experience for all travellers at North Portal in a few different ways,” said Reimer.

It’s going to increase the capacity of the port of entry by adding a third processing lane. A new and taller canopy will be constructed and three bi-level primary inspection line booths will be added to streamline traffic flow.

“This will allow processing of traveller and commercial trucks at any designated booths,” said Reimer.

The commercial warehouse will be renovated for more efficient processing.

“That’s the building where the semi-trucks and commercial vehicles will come through,” said Reimer.

There will also be a drive-thru into unloading bays, and an increase in the parking area to accommodate 12 semi-trucks at one time. Right now it can accommodate eight trucks.

Site lighting and systems will be improved for enhanced safety and security, and solar panels will be installed to power the facility with renewable energy.

The estimated total project cost is $15.5 million for demolition of previous structures on the site, consultations and construction.

He doesn’t expect there will be significant disruptions in service. The North Portal border crossing will be open around the clock throughout the project, Reimer said, and the goal is to keep separate lanes open at all times.

But there is also the potential for delays during construction. The border crossing was down to one lane a few weeks ago due to curb removal.

Motorists can also use the Estevan and Northgate crossings during construction.

Reimer said the project was needed due to the amount of traffic that passes through the crossing. It’s the busiest land border crossing in Saskatchewan, and ranked 10th in the country last year for commercial trucks processed.

“This project will maximize our processing efficiencies, and ensure that our border infrastructure is designed to accommodate high traffic volumes during our peak travel times,” said Reimer.

Commercial traffic volumes have increased over the years, and the facility has not been upgraded since the 1980s.

There is enough traffic to warrant a third processing lane, he said.

“Over the past five years, officers at North Portal have processed about 800 travellers … a day, so we definitely are seeing traffic volumes,” said Reimer.

It’s hard to speculate whether the upgrades will result in increased traffic, since there are many factors that influence traffic volumes, he said, but the changes will allow officers to process volumes more effectively and efficiently.