NEWS & LINKS

BRIDGE NEWS

BRIDGE COMMISSION ELECTS OFFICERS

January 30, 2008...At its annual organizational meeting, the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission, the bi-national entity that owns and operates the Rainbow, Whirlpool-Rapids and Lewiston-Queenston Bridges between Canada and the United States, elected its slate of officers for the year 2008. Ms. Janice A. Thomson, ON, was elected Chairperson, and Ms. Norma I. Higgs, NY, Vice-Chairperson. Kenneth E. Loucks, ON, was elected Secretary, and Patrick D. Brown, NY, Treasurer. Commissioners of the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission, in addition to Ms. Thomson, Ms. Higgs, Mr. Loucks, and Mr. Brown, are Mr. Brian H. Wilkie, ON, Mr. Thomas G. Pryce, NY, Mr. David L. O’Toole, ON, and Ms. Diane L. Vitello, NY.

No Christmas Toll - Rainbow, Whirlpool Rapids

December 20, 2007...The Niagara Falls Bridge Commission announced today that it will offer free travel on the Rainbow, Whirlpool-Rapids and Lewiston-Queenston Bridges from 11:30 p.m. on Christmas Eve, Monday, December 24, until 11:30 p.m. on Christmas Day, Tuesday, December 25. “The Commission extends its best wishes for a joyous holiday season to the residents of our region and its visitors”, said Commission Chair Janice Thomson (ON). “We are pleased to waive the toll for travelers on the Rainbow, Whirlpool Rapids and Lewiston-Queenston Bridges for this 24 hour period as a gesture of our gratitude to the community.” Commission Vice-Chair James Ward (NY) noted that the toll policy is intended to honor Commission employees, as well. “We hope that the period of free passage over our bridges will permit more Commission families to celebrate the holiday together”, Ward noted.

Currency Values Impact Tolls

November 5, 2007 ... In response to the prolonged weakness in the U.S. dollar, Janice Thomson, Chairperson of the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission, the entity responsible for the construction, maintenance and operation of the Rainbow, Whirlpool Rapids and Lewiston-Queenston Bridges over the Niagara River, has announced that effective November 15, 2007, Canadian toll rates for passenger vehicles will decrease to $3.25, and the U.S. toll rates will increase to $3.25. “The Commission is sensitive to commitments that commercial carriers may already have in place with their clients and, as such, we will be withholding commercial vehicle rate adjustments until January 1, 2008,” said General Manager, Thomas Garlock. Commission Vice-Chair, James Ward (Newfane, NY), pointed out that, “Earlier this year, the Commission altered its U.S. toll rates in order to address the weakening U.S. dollar. Prior to the February 2007 currency adjustment, there had been no change to tolls at Commission bridges since 1998.” Commission Chairperson, Janice Thomson (Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON), observed that significant improvements to infrastructure at the Queenston Plaza are now underway, just as the Rainbow facilities were re-built in the 1995-2000 time period. “The Commission has been successful in controlling costs to our customers, but we have held the line on the diminished U.S. dollar as long as we could. This modest adjustment will permit the Commission to continue to be financially stable and proceed with aggressive physical improvements to our facilities.” Toll Schedule Effective November 15, 2007 U.S. Rate Canadian Rate CASH AUTO $3.25 $3.25 EXPRESSPASS $2.75 $2.75 IN TOW per axle $3.25 $3.25 BUS 2 axle $10.25 $10.25 BUS 3 axle $13.50 $13.50 RV/LIMO per axle $3.25 $3.25 WHIRLPOOL RAPIDS BRIDGE NEXUS USERS ONLY $2.35 $2.35

ExpressPass Pre-Paid Toll Available at Lewiston-Queenston and Rainbow Bridges

October 3, 2007...The Niagara Falls Bridge Commission will offer ExpressPass prepaid toll at the Rainbow and Lewiston-Queenston Bridges beginning October 15. ExpressPass cards, which are placed in a hangtag on the rearview mirror, are scanned by overhead readers and the toll is electronically deducted from the cardholder’s account. ExpressPass technology offers drivers the quickest and most convenient way to cross the border. The Lewiston-Queenston, Rainbow and Whirlpool Bridges already offer the lowest tolls on the border. Now motorists can save more money with ExpressPass and enjoy a 15 percent discount on full fare tolls at Lewiston-Queenston and Rainbow. It will also speed their trip through the toll booths and reduce congestion for all drivers. ExpressPass cards can be purchased at manned toll booths at the Lewiston-Queenston or Rainbow Bridges. Only $20 is required as a first payment which includes a $10 refundable deposit. Drivers can replenish their accounts at any time at a manned toll booth. Only cash is accepted and cards are transferrable. Also, drivers with NEXUS Toll cards can now use them at Lewiston-Queenston and Rainbow. Previously, NEXUS Toll cards could only be used at the Whirlpool Rapids Bridge which is a NEXUS only crossing. The NEXUS Toll cards have been in use at Whirlpool since February 2007 and are extremely popular with Whirlpool drivers. Drivers can enjoy the greatest savings by signing up for NEXUS and enrolling their card at the NEXUS Toll Enrollment Kiosk at the Whirlpool Bridge. The toll rate at Whirlpool is discounted 28 percent off the full rate. U.S. or Canadian funds can be used to purchase or replenish ExpressPass cards. However, the same currency type used for the initial card purchase must be used to reload the card. Tokens will no longer be sold, but will continue to be accepted at the Rainbow and Lewiston-Queenston Bridges.

LEWISTON-QUEENSTON BRIDGE PLAZA PROJECT BREAKS GROUND; Queenston Plaza Phase One Construction To Conclude 2009

September 24, 2007...The Niagara Falls Bridge Commission, the bi-national entity responsible for the construction, maintenance and operation of the Rainbow, Whirlpool Rapids and Queenston-Lewiston Bridges over the Niagara River, today held a ceremonial ground-breaking to mark construction of new plaza facilities on the Queenston side of the Queenston-Lewiston Bridge. The first phase of a $120+ million (CA) project will see the construction of new toll, parking and commercial inspection facilities. This component is expected to cost $45 million, funded entirely by the Bridge Commission. “This project is being undertaken to enhance security and efficiency at the fourth busiest commercial crossing on the Canada-US Border” said Commission Chairperson Janice A. Thomson (Niagara-On-The-Lake, ON). “The original plaza no longer supports the Commission’s mission of moving people and commerce efficiently and safely over the Niagara River as well as it could, hence a new approach.” The present facility first opened to traffic in 1962 and has seen only modest modification over the intervening 45 years. James W. Ward (Newfane, NY), Commission Vice-Chairperson, noted that “The new facility is the next step in the Commission’s capital program for improvement of all three of our spans. At the end of this phase, the NFBC will have invested more than $190 million in our infrastructure over the past 15 years.” Major construction on the first phase of the project is scheduled to be completed by early 2009. Phase 2, which will include new facilities for Canada Border Services Agency, relocation of some plaza facilities and an expansion of passenger primary processing capacity is the subject of an NFBC application to the Government of Canada for Border/Gateway Infrastructure funding. NFBC General Manager Thomas Garlock noted that “Our most important message to bridge users is to please slow down and be aware of changing traffic patterns to ensure their safety and the safety of construction and Commission personnel.” Motorists crossing the border are encouraged to call the Commission’s toll-free number, 1-800-715-6722 to learn of up to date traffic conditions. Commissioners of the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission, in addition to Ms. Thomson and Mr. Ward, are Robert E. Lewis, NY, Kenneth E. Loucks, ON, Bruce D. McCuaig, ON, Barry Swartz, NY and Brian H. Wilkie, ON. Pictured in the photo below are (left to right): Tom Garlock, General Manager, Niagara Falls Bridge Commission; Commissioner Brian Wilkie, Niagara Falls Bridge Commission; Ralph Aquino, President, Bondfield Construction; Jim Williams, Chairperson, Niagara Parks Commission; MP Rick Dykstra; Commissioner Janice Thomson, Chairperson, Niagara Falls Bridge Commission; MP Rob Nicholson; Commissioner Ken Loucks, Niagara Falls Bridge Commission; Lord Mayor Gary Burroughs, Town of Niagara-On-The-Lake; Ted Teshima, Moriyama & Teshima Architects; MPP Kim Craitor

QUEENSTON PLAZA REDEVELOPMENT

View from the north-west corner of the site

QUEENSTON PLAZA REDEVELOPMENT

Screening at parking ramp

QUEENSTON PLAZA REDEVELOPMENT

Wall abutting the Niagara River Parkway

LEWISTON-QUEENSTON BRIDGE PLAZA PROJECT COMMENCES; Motorists Advised To Slow Down, Use Caution During Queenston Plaza Construction

March 21, 2007...The Niagara Falls Bridge Commission, the entity responsible for the construction, maintenance and operation of the Rainbow, Whirlpool Rapids and Lewiston-Queenston Bridges over the Niagara River, announced today that construction on a new Toll/Customs Plaza on the Queenston side of the Lewiston-Queenston Bridge will commence as soon as the week of March 26th. The first phase of a $40 million (CA) project will see the construction of new toll, parking and commercial inspection facilities. Motorists are urged to exercise caution as there will be new traffic patterns in approaching the plaza from Ontario Highway 405 and, intermittently, through the plaza itself. "These improvements are being done to enhance security and efficiency at the fourth busiest commercial crossing on the Canada-US Border, and create a more welcoming gateway to Canada" said Commission Chairperson Janice A. Thomson (Niagara-On-The-Lake, ON). "The original plaza is now 45 years old and the planned upgrades will offer much needed improvement in support of bi-national commerce and tourism. The new facility is the next step in the Commission's capital program for improvement of all three of our spans." Major construction on the first phase of the project will proceed in June and is scheduled to be completed by early 2009. NFBC General Manager Thomas Garlock assures the traveling public of both countries that the facility will remain open and traffic delays will be kept to a minimum while the work progresses. "Our most important message to bridge users is to please slow down and be aware of changing traffic patterns to ensure their safety and the safety of construction and Commission personnel." Motorists crossing the border are encouraged to call the Commission's toll-free number, 1 800 715 6722 to learn of up to date traffic conditions. Commissioners of the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission, in addition to Ms. Thomson are James W. Ward, NY, Robert E. Lewis, NY, Kenneth E. Loucks, ON, William G. Mayne, Jr., NY, Bruce D. McCuaig, ON, Barry Swartz, NY and Brian H. Wilkie, ON.

Police Conduct Speed Enforcement Blitz on Lewiston-Queenston Bridge - Traveling Public Encouraged To Abide By Posted Speed Limits On All Niagara River International Crossings

February 5, 2007... On Monday January 29, 2007, the New York State Police conducted an enforcement detail on the Lewiston-Queenston Bridge to assist the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission in ensuring that the public complies with the posted speed limit on the bridge span. The detail under the direction of Zone Sergeant Ronald Warner issued 67 tickets for speeding and 4 tickets for various other violations. When the bridge was re-configured in 2005 to add a fifth, flexible lane, the center median was removed. Because there is now no separation between opposing traffic, and lane configurations will change depending upon traffic conditions, the Commission lowered the speed limit to 15 mph. "We realize that some motorists find this speed to be very low, but bridge users must stop for Customs inspection on both sides of the span, so there is no need to hurry. It's important to maintain safety for all our users," observed Brent Gallaugher, Agency Relations & Security Manager for the Commission. The Niagara Falls Bridge Commission encourages the traveling public to abide by all posted speed limits to ensure safe, accident free, crossings of the bridges.