CORNWALL, Ont. — Truckers hauling over the Cornwall Island border crossing say closures and delays caused by Mohawk protests could start hurting business soon.

According to local media, the northern span of the Seaway International Bridge is closed indefinitely because of Akwesasne residents’ protests over Canada Border Services Agency officers getting guns.

The border guards were slated to start carrying 9-mm handguns yesterday.

Trucks are not getting through the territory that straddles Quebec, Ontario and the U.S. and many drivers are losing up to three hours being rerouted through Prescott and Osnabruck.

Some Canada Customs officials are visiting carriers’ facilities to clear packages.

Rob Short, owner of nearby Fifth Wheel Truck Stop, said the bridge and border closure has yet to impact his business. But "any long-term duration … might be a problem."

CBSA points out that U.S. guards working on the territory have carried guns for decades without any objections from the community.