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DOT, Washington track border activity

DOT, Washington track border activity

The U.S. Transportation Department and Washington state entered an agreement Thursday to gain a more accurate picture of conditions for freight traffic moving in and out of Canada.

   The Cascade Gateway Project will provide border-crossing wait time and travel condition information to drivers and freight carriers, the DOT said.

   The department said the project would use a variety of technologies, including sensors to provide pre-trip and en route wait times on crossing the border to reduce congestion at four Washington state ports of entry: Peace Arch, Pacific Highway, Lynden and Sumas.

   “With accurate information, travelers and freight carriers will be able to choose the time and route that is most efficient and best meets their needs,” said Transportation Secretary Mary E. Peters in a statement.

   The project is part of DOT’s Border Congestion Relief Program, which is designed to facilitate and accelerate transportation-related capacity and operational improvements at border crossings. The Cascade Gateway Project is one of the three projects included in this federal initiative.