The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) said this week that it has awarded $256,470 to implement cutting-edge technology and help alleviate congestion at northern border crossings in New York, Washington state and Michigan.
The effort is part of the Border Wait Time Deployment Initiative, which aims to implement sensors and provide information on delays and wait times at border crossings to give truckers advance notice on crossing conditions to better manage traffic flow and improve border-crossing services at U.S.-Canadian border checkpoints.
“These grants present an opportunity to improve freight movement and productivity by allowing businesses to transport their goods across the border more efficiently,” FHWA Administrator Gregory Nadeau said. “Our nation needs a strong freight system to compete in the global economy and meet the needs of consumers and industry.”
Funding will be supplied to the respective state departments of transportation (DOT) in another U.S.-Canada initiative that aims to increase efficiency of commercial services and products between both countries. The U.S. Department of Transportation said delays at border crossings have been known to impede product flow.
“We are working toward creative solutions to border congestion that can stifle commerce and negatively impact our economy,” Transportation Secretary, Anthony Foxx said. “Accurate travel information will be a powerful tool in improving the flow of goods across these borders – supporting the freight economy, including U.S. businesses that rely on efficient trade.”
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