FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 4, 2024
For further information contact:
Brittany Kenny
518.982.4834
bkenny@martingroupmarketing.com
Niagara Falls Bridge Commission Offers Border Traffic Tips for Upcoming Solar Eclipse Weekend
LEWISTON, NY & QUEENSTON, ON – The Niagara Falls Bridge Commission (NFBC), the bi-national entity that owns and operates the Rainbow, Whirlpool Rapids and Lewiston-Queenston Bridges between Canada and the United States, announced today that is expecting increased international border traffic between April 5, 2024 through to April 8, 2024, as travelers visit the region to experience the upcoming solar eclipse. In particular, the Commission expects notable congestion at and around the Rainbow Bridge on the afternoon and evening of April 8, 2024.
The Rainbow Pedestrian Walkway will remain open for travel between the U.S. and Canada; however, no loitering or gathering will be permitted. The walkway will be monitored and rules strictly enforced to ensure the safe and efficient movement of people and goods. To ensure a smooth flow of traffic, the NFBC reminds travelers planning to cross the Rainbow, Whirlpool Rapids, or Lewiston-Queenston Bridges to:
- Have proper identification ready to present to Customs officers prior to arriving at the border.
- Other than essential luggage or vacation supplies, empty your trunk before the trip. Additional belongings in your car may add time to your crossing, as customs officers may perform a visual inspection of the belongings in your car.
- Turn off radios and cell phones when approaching Customs inspection booths and speaking with officers.
- Remember to roll down the driver and rear passenger windows, remove sunglasses, and make eye contact with Customs officers.
- Be sure to declare all fruits, vegetables, plants and plant products, animals, birds, eggs, meat and meat products, as well as items acquired for personal use.
- Be patient. Approach inspection booths slowly and follow signage instructions.
For more information about the NFBC, please visit https://www.niagarafallsbridges.com/.
For information on crossing the international border, please visit:
https://www.niagarafallsbridges.com/crossing-info/crossing-aninternational-border
About the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission:
The Niagara Falls Bridge Commission is a unique, bi-national body. Canada and the U.S. are equally represented on the NFBC through the bi-national appointment of an eight-member Board of Commissioners. A Joint Resolution of the 1938 U.S. Congressional Third Session created the framework for the NFBC. In 1939, the Province of Ontario, Canada licensed the NFBC under The Extra Provincial Corporations Act and amended the Highway Improvement Act to authorize the appropriation of land in Ontario for transfer to the NFBC. Initially established to finance, construct and operate the Rainbow Bridge, the Commission proved efficient and effective at its mission. The NFBC’s powers and authority were thereafter expanded through amendments to the Joint Resolution in the U.S., and by the Rainbow Bridge Amendment Act of 1959 and the Queenston Bridge Act of 1959 in Canada. Together, these enactments empowered the NFBC to assume responsibilities for the Whirlpool Rapids (Lower) and Lewiston-Queenston Bridges. Today, in addition to owning and operating three international bridges, the NFBC builds and maintains facilities for Customs and Immigration functions on both sides of the international border. The NFBC is self-supportive, largely through user fees (tolls) and private-sector tenant leases. NFBC is authorized to conduct international commercial financial transactions and empowered to issue tax-exempt bonds in the United States.