The planned expansion of the Emerson port of entry will move ahead this year.

According to Canada Border Services Agency, the construction tender on the project closed on January 24th and the various bids are now being reviewed.

"The project is anticipated to take two years to complete and will increase capacity and reduce border wait times," said Jacqueline Callin, Media Relations Officer for CBSA.

Once complete, the port of entry will feature three additional lanes that will be used to segregate commercial and passenger vehicles and ultimately eliminate traffic backlogs.

Under the plan, there will be a dedicated lane to accommodate commercial FAST members, a current commercial-only Primary Inspection Lane (PIL) booth will be converted to a modern bi-level PIL booth that can serve both commercial and automobile traffic. The existing traveler inspection garage will be expanded to add a bus processing facility and more space will be added to the current commercial facility to increase commercial inspection capacity.
 
"We're really looking forward to the project at Emerson getting started and the expected results as well which will benefit our officers and the traveling public."