May, 16, 2008
BORDER
Work will cause Peace Arch delays
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ISABELLE DILLS
THE BELLINGHAM HERALD
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BLAINE — Motorists traveling southbound through the Peace Arch Border Station on Interstate 5 should expect delays beginning Monday.
West side inspection booths will be closed as construction crews install an underground storm water retention system, according to Bill Lesh, public affairs manager for the U.S. General Services Administration.
Construction is expected to last six to eight weeks.
In the meantime, traffic will be diverted to the east side inspection booths, which are normally used during peak travel times, Lesh said.
It is unknown how the construction will affect the wait time at the border, said Mike Milne, the public affairs officer for U.S. Customs and Border Patrol.
Three general purpose inspection booths and one Nexus booth will be open on the east side. This is the same number of booths normally open during nonpeak hours, Lesh said.
After leaving the inspection area, vehicles will be funneled down to one lane for about 100 yards, Lesh said.
Drivers can exit to Blaine or continue on southbound Interstate 5 as normal, Lesh said.
Drivers are advised to use other border stations such as those at Lynden or Sumas to help ease the traffic at the Peace Arch Border Station, Milne said.
People can also check border cameras and wait times at www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/border/.
