Border Crossings A Slow Go From Canada To U.S.
Drivers Waiting Up To Four Hours
Posted: 3:18 p.m. EDT September 13, 2001
Updated: 3:27 p.m. EDT September 13, 2001
DETROIT -- Stepped-up security all across the United States is being felt by drivers trying to get into the United States from Canada.
At one of the busiest border crossings, the wait to get across the Ambassador Bridge from Windsor, Ontario, Canada, into Detroit is taking about 3 or 4 hours. The same is true for the Windsor Tunnel, which also leads into Detroit.
Most drivers interviewed have said that they are accepting the long wait and that they understand the need for the tight security.
For some trucks, it is taking up to 12 hours to get into the United States.
U.S. Customs Officials at the border are stopping every single car and asking each passenger for photo identification.
Many drivers have been asked to pull over and open their trunks or to show customs officials what they may have inside their vehicle.
In 1997, eight million cars and 2.5 million trucks crossed the Ambassador Bridge. That is expected to double by 2012.
The Windsor Tunnel, located between Detroit, Michigan and Windsor, Ontario, connects the U.S. Interstates to Ontario’s Highway 401 and is one of the fastest links between Ontario and United States.
Officials said that the tight security isn't expected to end any time soon.
Copyright 2001 by NewsNet5.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.