1999/2000 Cross-Border Trade & Travel Study

Project status: Completed

IMTC participants have identified the need to periodically evaluate trip details of passenger vehicle travelers crossing at the five Cascade Gateway ports-of-entry (including Point Roberts/Boundary Bay most recently). These surveys help inform regional investment strategies, and provide insight into travel trends.

The IMTC Cross-Border Trade and Travel Study was a response to the need identified by IMTC participants for better data regarding the four ports-of-entry which make up the Cascade Gateway between Whatcom County, Washington and British Columbia.

Location

The study area included the Cascade Gateway Ports-of-Entry, including Peace Arch/Douglas, Pacific Highway, Lynden/Aldergrove, and Sumas/Abbotsford-Huntingdon.

Why this project was needed

Previous data collected on the Cascade Gateway revealed little about commodity flow, intermodal opportunities, or the potential sustainability of new transportation options. To close these gaps, updated and detailed information was collected in the summer and fall of 2000 to analyze cross-border traffic volumes, origin and destination of trips, commercial commodity flow, and passenger trip purpose.

Results

The final report analyzed who crosses the border and what drives demand; time of day characteristics of cross-border travel; the potential for diverting traffic to alternative modes of travel as well as to other crossings; and the markets for pre-approved travel programs to improve cross-border security and mobility.

Project funding

The project cost $460,400 (USD). Funding partners included:

  • U.S. Federal Highway Administration

  • WA State Department of Transportation

  • B.C. Ministry of Transportation

For more information

Contact Melissa Fanucci, Principal Planner, Whatcom Council of Governments by email or phone (360-685-8385).