NIAGARA FALLS, Ont. (Jan. 3, 2005) — The Ontario Trucking Association has been informed by the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission that effective January 10, 2005 through November 15, 2005 there will be restrictions placed on over dimensional loads crossing the bridge due to construction.

The multi-million dollar expansion of the Lewiston-Queenston Bridge is on schedule to start this month. When finally completed in December 2005, the expansion will significantly reduce waiting times at the border for both cars and trucks, the bridge authority says.

The re-configuration of the Lewiston-Queenston Bridge to five lanes is expected to significantly reduce waiting times to enter the U.S. for trucks participating in the Canada-US FAST Program. The fifth lane will be made available only to loads and persons known to be acceptable to Customs, allowing them to avoid being backed up in general traffic trying to cross the border.

The main work on deck reconstruction affecting traffic on the bridge are currently scheduled between March and November, 2005. Two lanes of traffic (one east-bound and one west-bound) will be maintained.