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Ensuring the Free Flow of Goods and People Across the CanAm Border

Peace Bridge Expansion Project

Goal: completion of the peace bridge expansion project
Background On April 26, 2007, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) advised the Canadian government that negotiations for implementation of border pre-clearance had reached an impasse. The ruling, while contrary to the Partnership's recommendations, allowed the Peace Bridge Authority to move forward with bridge and U.S. plaza design. A "signature" bridge design was selected, but in April, 2008 was declared unacceptable due to environmental concerns.
Recent Action

In early November, the Federal Highway Administration, having rejected the 567-foot-tall bridge that a binational design jury said should be built across the Niagara River, cleared the way for a three-tower cable-stayed bridge about 400 feet tall. The agency also said the Peace Bridge Authority can move forward and not wait for a two-year study. Subsequently, the Peace Bridge Authority returned to the bridge designer for a new design within the new parameters.
Recent Progress
Next Steps In the 2009 Regional Agenda, priority will once again be given to expedited approvals – a “record of decision” by the Federal Highway Administration by Spring 2009 and an executed lease agreement with the General Services Administration for the new Customs plaza - that will allow the Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority can move forward with property acquisition and right-of-way for the Peace Bridge Expansion Project.