Significant delays reported as thousands cross the border for BC Day long weekend

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – Wait times to get across the border and into the US tested the patience of many drivers today.

Some crossings had wait times of up to four hours long.

“We were at the Pacific Crossing and waited two hours and had moved ten cars,” Michelle tells NEWS 1130. “We turned around; our next possible street to make a right one was 16th — so that’s how far away we were — and went right to Sumas and got over within about 30 minutes, not even.”

However, Michelle was lucky. Border waits at the Sumas crossing got so severe that lineups reportedly blocked intersections well into Abbotsford.

“By tailgating, by advancing through yellow and red lights just because you feel it’s your turn and you don’t want someone to pull in front of you, you actually could be impeding the way of emergency vehicles and that puts everybody at risk,” Constable Ian MacDonald with Abbotsford Police says.

MacDonald reminds drivers that they’re always required to obey the rules — no matter how bad traffic is. He’s also urging people to make sure their vehicles are prepared for long waits.

“You’re going to have to give yourself extra time and you’re going to have to make sure your vehicle is equipped. I guarantee that some of the people that are in the lineups for several hours may not have anticipated having as much gas on board as they’re going to need.”

Callers to our newsroom reported similar issues in Surrey.

CBSA urges travellers to plan ahead

As many British Columbians head out of town this long weekend, the Canada Border Services Agency is reminding travelers to plan ahead as they prepare to cross the border.

The CBSA has said higher than normal volumes were expected.

It recommends drivers check wait times before they head out in order to choose the best route.

“Have your travel documents, proper identification for all persons in the vehicle, and receipts from purchases outside of Canada ready to present to the border services officer,” an email from service reads. “Be ready to declare all goods purchased and/or received while outside the country.”

With tariffs in place, the CBSA is also urging travelers to know what their exemption limits are, and to be prepared for possible taxes.

“Certain goods originating from the U.S. are subject to a surtax that apply to commercial shipments as well as goods being imported by travellers above their personal exemptions.”

If you’re unsure about something, ask the CBSA officer, and always be honest, the email adds.

As Canada nears cannabis legalization, the border service is also reminding anyone crossing into or out of the US to never carry it with you. Taking marijuana across the border is still illegal.

The CBSA says more than 87,000 vehicles came into Canada through the five Lower Mainland crossing last BC Day long weekend.

The Douglas and Pacific Highway crossings were the busiest.

Listen live for traffic updates every 10 minutes on the ones. You can also follow us on Twitter @NEWS1130Traffic or subscribe to breaking news alerts sent directly to your inbox.

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