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Bridge Officials Make Nexus Changes

Business First - by James Fink

Wednesday, January 5, 2011 
 
Nexus card holders who use the Rainbow Bridge to enter Canada will have to shift their travel routes later this month.

The Canada Border Services Agency has said it will be closing the Nexus card-only lane, for Canadian-bound traffic, on the Rainbow Bridge effective Jan. 23. The U.S. Nexus lane on the Rainbow Bridge will remain open.

Nexus card holders bound for Canada are being directed to the nearby Whirlpool Bridge, located about 1.5 miles away, or to new Nexus-only lane on the Queenston side of the Lewiston-Queenston Bridge that’s due to open next month. The Whirlpool Bridge is dedicated solely to Nexus card users.

In addition, the Peace Bridge is adding a second Nexus card-only lane for Canada-bound traffic later this month.

The reason for the shift?

Limited use of the Canada-bound Nexus lane on the Rainbow Bridge.

“It’s not used all that much, especially compared to the Whirlpool Bridge,” said Lew Holloway, Niagara Falls Bridge Commission general manager.

The lane is located on the far left hand side of the Rainbow Bridge and during heavy traffic periods, it is often times difficult to reach. The lane will be converted into a standard inspection booth.

“When people need it the most, they can’t get over there,” Holloway said.

The Rainbow Bridge offers a more direct route to major Southern Ontario highways like the 420, 405 and Queen Elizabeth Way. Those who use the Whirlpool Bridge do have navigate their way around more Niagara Falls, Ont. streets to reach those same highways, adding a few minutes to their trip.

Holloway said Canada Border Services Agency may add a second Nexus card lane on the Queenston side of the Lewiston-Queenston Bridge if traffic flow demands the addition.

“They are willing to make adjustments,” Holloway said.

Nexus card holders are pre-screened through both border inspection services in both Canada and the U.S. The Nexus cards are considered a cost and time-effective alternative to the new border crossing requirements that went into effect under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative
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