Pembina-Emerson Port of Entry
Pembina, N.D.
Award of Merit

Owner: State of North Dakota
Lead Design Firm: KLJ
General Contractor: Gowan Construction
Civil Engineer: Braun Intertec
ITS Concept of Operations: Alliant Engineering
Subcontractors: Edling Electric; Industrial Builders; Knife River Materials; Newman Signs; Opp Construction

This port is the fifth-largest crossing between Canada and the U.S. Canada first established this border customs station in Emerson, Manitoba, in 1871. More than 1 million vehicles pass through this port of entry annually, with that number projected to double by 2035. A 2013 study recommended a variety of improvements in how to handle major trade and vehicles. Those included expansion of the crossing through improved lane configurations. 

The team relied on modeling tools to evaluate optimal primary inspection lane configurations and truck bypass areas as well as improvements based on daily, seasonal and holiday peak periods. An intelligent transportation system helps direct motorists into proper lanes to reduce wait times. Extensive coordination with multiple international agencies kept the project on track for its July 2019 opening.

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