Lacolle border crossing project underway
PLATTSBURGH — A major renovation project at the St. Bernard-de-Lacolle border crossing into Canada is expected to make life easier and better for cross-border travelers.
'While crossings are always dependent on staffing, volume and security situations, new state-of-the-art booths and a reconfiguration to remove pedestrians from the line of traffic can hopefully enhance the movement of cars' North Country Chamber of Commerce President Garry Douglas said.
'Also, there should be more efficiency in handling secondary processing for those needing to stop and go in, and the processing of bus passengers will be substantially enhanced.'
Douglas was referring to the full start of construction on major upgrades and changes by the Canadian Government at the St-Bernard-de-Lacolle border crossing which is the Canadian side of the Champlain crossing on I-87/Autoroute 15.
'As a major stakeholder representative for this border crossing, we welcome the full start of construction on a project that we and our Quebec partners have been supporting for several years,' Douglas said.
'It is another major step toward the Port of Excellence vision we laid out 25 years ago, seeking greatly improved border facilities at all North Country crossings, starting with $170 million for the new Champlain Port of Entry which began construction in 2005.'
The first stage of the Lacolle vision included a major new truck crossing and commercial processing facility that opened several years ago. The new three-year project will demolish outdated buildings at the car crossing, creating a reconfigured complex including all new booths and enhanced processing for buses.
Construction will be staged to minimize the impact on continued operations including flow, the chamber said.
'We have been pleased to provide stakeholder input during the design process and will be taking part in a border crossings meeting in Quebec City in May,' Douglas said.
The chamber has also advocated for a planned new Rouses Point border crossing facility, including proper facilities for processing incoming Amtrak trains, with construction expected to begin in late spring or early summer.
'With all of the current atmosphere around potential tariffs, it's good to have positive news about such border investments designed to enhance travel and commerce north and south,' Douglas said.
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