LANGLEY, B.C. – The British Columbia Trucking Association (BCTA) has developed a border contingency plan that will be implemented upon severe congestion at the Pacific Highway crossing.

During the detour, three electronic signs on Highway 99 southbound will direct truck traffic to use the 32nd Avenue exit (Exit 8B) and prohibit trucks from using 8th Avenue. In addition, westbound trucks on 16th Avenue will be prohibited from turning south onto 176th Street/Highway 15.

The RCMP have pledged officers to monitor the 8th Avenue exit, as well as the line-up on Highway 15 and have indicated that there will be no tolerance for queue-jumping.

BCTA has already been in contact with Customs and Border Protection (CBP; formerly U.S. Customs) officials at Pacific Highway and with ICBC to discuss their contingency plans for border congestion. CBP is already opening two booths as and when necessary and will be staffing three booths if warranted.

Border wait times are reported to be shorter than usual despite the increased number of inspections of documentation and cargo. If and when the detour is implemented, carrier members will be informed immediately via e-mail and fax.A map and instructions to drivers have already been developed.