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Work may delay traffic
Comments 0 | Recommend 0Feds to install RFID sensors at bridges this week
A new technology that U.S. Customs and Border Protection plans for the international bridges should speed up crossings and tighten security. But first, some delay is expected while the upgrade is installed in the coming week.
Delays could exacerbated by the increase in crossings during the holiday season, bridge officials said.
Radio frequency identification (RFID) hardware will be placed in all vehicle inspection lanes. It lets inspectors read travelers' passport cards - a wallet-size alternative to the traditional passport designed for cross-border land and sea travel - and enhanced driver's licenses, CBP officials said.
RFID also is being incorporated into new border crossing cards.
Work on the system starts Monday, Dec. 1, and is expected to take from five to 10 days to install.
"During this time, U.S. Customs and Border Protection is asking for travelers' patience and understanding of the purpose of the improvements: increased border security and more efficient processing of legitimate cross-border travelers," CBP said in a written statement.
CBP will close the vehicle lane that is being upgraded.
The Veterans International Bridge at Los Tomates and the B&M International Bridge both have four traffic lanes; Gateway International Bridge has five.
Only one lane will be upgraded at a time.
"Although the potential for delays is minimal during this period of construction, those who regularly use the Brownsville facilities should plan accordingly," CBP said.
Texas is not yet issuing enhanced driver's licenses.
"We're not proceeding at this point due to funding," Texas Department of Public Safety spokeswoman Lisa Block told The Brownsville Herald.
About RFID technology
* From mid-July through Nov. 10, the U.S. Department of State issued nearly 600,000 passport cards with vicinity radio frequency identification technology.
* The RFID technology allows Customs and Border Protection officers to determine citizenship and identity at land and sea ports of entry.
* RFID technology also is incorporated in new border crossing cards to further enhance and streamline border crossing.
-- Source: Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
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