[Surrey/Blaine] Peace Arch Border Crossing | Completed

[deasine]

Not in Canada, but it does affect many Vancouverites.

Bohlin Cywinski Jackson is redeveloping one of the busiest ports of entry along the northern U.S. border, serving Seattle and Vancouver and uniquely sited between Semiahmoo Bay and the international Peace Arch Park.

The design is conceived as an integral part of the larger landscape balancing civic and national symbol with the historic Peace Arch monument at its center. As a response to the sensitive natural setting and constrained site, the preliminary design concept places the large vehicular area below a landscaped roof cut into the sloped site. The building and primary canopy are accentuated as a single linear element - an expression of the border line itself.

The landscape topography and vegetation connect north and south with a visual and symbolic gesture reaching through the building toward the Peace Arch and south to the United States. Landforms extend and accentuate the existing organic forms in contrast with the building, enhancing and reinforcing the surrounding context.

Peace Arch will be LEED certified at the silver level and is designated as a GSA Design Excellence project subject to the Federal government's highest standards of design and functional performance. Following an extensive master plan and feasibility study the project is currently in schematic design.
Source: Bohlin Cywinski Jackson

Construction Detours:
http://blogs.bellinghamherald.com/media/blogs/jared/GSAtrafficplans.JPG
Source: Bellinham Herald

Renderings/Site Plans:
http://lh3.ggpht.com/deasine/SDInS-mZDRI/AAAAAAAACVA/LMPzGzXU8cI/001.jpg
http://lh3.ggpht.com/deasine/SDInS-mZDSI/AAAAAAAACVI/XWJsxmqo98s/002.jpg
http://lh4.ggpht.com/deasine/SDInTOmZDTI/AAAAAAAACVQ/QkbtWTeVZ7s/003.jpg
http://lh4.ggpht.com/deasine/SDInTOmZDUI/AAAAAAAACVY/1shXqZQwHno/004.jpg
http://lh5.ggpht.com/deasine/SDInTemZDVI/AAAAAAAACVg/uBiwQza6-6Y/005.jpg

[mr.x]

What about the redevelopment project on the Canadian crossing?

[nikw]

Last time i crossed the border was in October and the Canadian border project looked as though the majority of the major structural work was completed.

[deasine]

I can't find any rendering for it but it looks great =) When was the last time I crossed it? I think in March?

[mr.x]

http://images.ctv.ca/archives/CTVNews/img2/20080514/450_BC_Peace_Arch_Construction_080514.jpg
New Peace Arch Crossing delayed until after 2010 Games

Updated: Mon Feb. 09 2009 16:04:16

ctvbc.ca

Driving across the U.S.-Canada border was supposed to get easier a year from now -- but it's going to take a little longer than hoped.

Delays mean construction at the Peace Arch Crossing won't be finished before the 2010 Games, as previously announced.

U.S. Customs is rebuilding its port of entry at Blaine, Washington, and with the usual eight inspection booths reduced to just four, the target date has been pushed back to November 2010, months after the end of the Games.

The reason officials give is that the design of a new bridge and highway delayed work for months.

Once finished, there will be 10 lanes and double the number of secondary inspection lanes.




WE'RE SENDING OUR INVADING ARMY INTO THE U.S.!
http://images.ctv.ca/archives/CTVNews/img2/20080928/300_BC_Memorial_March_080928.jpg

[GeeCee]

What a massive clusterfuck. Glad I've got a NEXUS card.

[mattropolis]

Bureaucratic nonsense is also preventing a second daily Amtrak train from going between Vancouver and Seattle. The train is paid for by Amtrak, but the Canadian Border Services Agency wants to charge $1500 per day for inspection services.

The current train, all bus, all plane and all cars are not charged to cross the border now, so why should a new train get charged a fee?


http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/olympics/2008723079_olympictrain09.html

[usog]

The story says they would have extended a Portland run? Someone obviously needs to be shot over this.

[vanlaw]

What about the redevelopment project on the Canadian crossing?

It appears to be done. The approach is a little messed up because of the US construction, but the actual Canadian crossing looks like it is complete. I came across Sunday at 3pm - 4 lanes + 1 nexus open, 5 cars in front of me. If the $ were at .90+, pretty sure that wait would have been much longer than the 5 min.

Going down on Saturday took Pacific Crossing due to construction at US part of Peace Arch. Wait looked like it was about 45 min, but popped into the duty free to grab a few bottles and there wasnt the usual lineup in the parking lot to get out. Total wait was about 15 min at 1230pm Saturday.

Total wait time of 20 min both south and northbound on a sat/sun is pretty sweet.

[osirisboy]

are there any renderings of either the cnd or us new border crossings, i cant find anything.

[metroXpress]

^Yeah...I remember that the Canadian Border Crossing is almost completed and parts of it are already in use.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_V2ya_Gjb0WU/RyKz_LD-UKI/AAAAAAAABtc/iScgNzcwAkM/s400/canada%2Bcustoms.jpg

[johnjimbc]

I also drove back across the border on Sunday. The Canadian crossing is impressive.

Some work is still continuing. They still need to do some road resurfacing near the new lanes, and they still need to remove the old entry lanes and building. I think there is also another smaller building being constructed after you've entered Canada (I seem to recall passing some other structure behind a fence though I could be mistaken). The new main structure is complete, and the new lanes are in use. It all looks really nice.

I hadn't even realized the US side was planning improvements. I do wish the whole border upgrade would have been complete by the Olympics.

Well, I guess the Canadian crossing will be a lot more impressive for visitors than the drive back, if looking for a silver lining.

[deasine]

Excuse the quality... these were taken on my phone.

Border Updates on Canada to US Side
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_2syn56cxREE/ShJLyC52W_I/AAAAAAAAERY/E7yPXVaPmsY/s576/P1000029.JPG
Taken by Deasine ∙ May 18 2009 ∙ Hosted on Picasa ∙ Creative Commons Protected

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_2syn56cxREE/ShJL0tulfbI/AAAAAAAAEPM/jg4f1tGc1Zk/s800/P1000031.JPG
Taken by Deasine ∙ May 18 2009 ∙ Hosted on Picasa ∙ Creative Commons Protected

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_2syn56cxREE/ShJL4PgIpmI/AAAAAAAAEPQ/hK9Bd8ZB7nU/s800/P1000030.JPG
Taken by Deasine ∙ May 18 2009 ∙ Hosted on Picasa ∙ Creative Commons Protected

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_2syn56cxREE/ShJMBxo31DI/AAAAAAAAERg/sYGn0IYgxVs/s576/P1000026.JPG
Taken by Deasine ∙ May 18 2009 ∙ Hosted on Picasa ∙ Creative Commons Protected

Border Updates on US to Canada Side
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_2syn56cxREE/ShJL4rcTtTI/AAAAAAAAEPY/IXdWVHn_ceg/s800/P1000040.JPG
Taken by Deasine ∙ May 18 2009 ∙ Hosted on Picasa ∙ Creative Commons Protected

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_2syn56cxREE/ShJL8TEK5-I/AAAAAAAAEP0/ol-j-uc2oBE/s800/P1000041.JPG
Taken by Deasine ∙ May 18 2009 ∙ Hosted on Picasa ∙ Creative Commons Protected

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_2syn56cxREE/ShJL-MdQw0I/AAAAAAAAEP4/9bGpQdKsb2Q/s1024/P1000025.JPG
Taken by Deasine ∙ May 18 2009 ∙ Hosted on Picasa ∙ Creative Commons Protected

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_2syn56cxREE/ShJL-3KLHoI/AAAAAAAAEP8/fx-IrQRVNX8/s800/P1000024.JPG
Taken by Deasine ∙ May 18 2009 ∙ Hosted on Picasa ∙ Creative Commons Protected

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_2syn56cxREE/ShJMCF36XBI/AAAAAAAAEQI/7CITJRHCdDE/s800/P1000023.JPG
Taken by Deasine ∙ May 18 2009 ∙ Hosted on Picasa ∙ Creative Commons Protected

Took these because of this HUGE ass crow:
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_2syn56cxREE/ShJMB52Y1sI/AAAAAAAAEQE/X8onW9TRxrE/s800/P1000027.JPG
Taken by Deasine ∙ May 18 2009 ∙ Hosted on Picasa ∙ Creative Commons Protected

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_2syn56cxREE/ShJMCI6IkSI/AAAAAAAAEQM/f1_IFwXWXbw/s800/P1000028.JPG
Taken by Deasine ∙ May 18 2009 ∙ Hosted on Picasa ∙ Creative Commons Protected

[agrant]

That crow might be a raven. Thanks for the pics.

[metroXpress]

The information centre is also new!!

[metroXpress]

So how much do you have to pay for NEXUS....I heard that there is a long application process and lots of security checks??

Also, any idea how the US side would look like after the renovation?

[GeeCee]

NEXUS is $50 every five years. The interview process isn't too bad, but you need to pass security checks, etc. You also need to provide your fingerprints and other personal information such as your employment info, why you generally travel, credit card information for duty fees, etc to both Canada Customs and the US CBP. If you'd like to use it for air travel as well, you'll also need to have your irises scanned.

I have no criminal record and I have one. It's really not so bad, but if you do apply for one, expect to spend several hours at YVR waiting between the Canadian and American sides for your interviews.

http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/nexus/menu-eng.html

Eligibility for membership in NEXUS is dependant on the following information:

* your eligibility for immigration in Canada or the United States
* the proper completion of your application
* a criminal background check
* any violations of immigration or customs laws
* and any other information NEXUS requires.

I don't use it as often as I thought I would, but it's very nice to be able to just drive past an hour long line and wait five minutes or less. :)

[metroXpress]

^ thanks for the info :)

[crazyjoeda]

Way to small. Waits of over an hour should be unacceptable; boarder crossings in Ontario and Quebec have way more inspection booths.

BTW did you know that Amtrak wants to add more service from Seattle to Vancouver but Canada Customs now wants train passengers to pay for their inspection. It seems insane to charge train passengers but not cars.

[Andlauer]

Way to small. Waits of over an hour should be unacceptable; boarder crossings in Ontario and Quebec have way more inspection booths.

BTW did you know that Amtrak wants to add more service from Seattle to Vancouver but Canada Customs now wants train passengers to pay for their inspection. It seems insane to charge train passengers but not cars.

*agrees*

I don't know why but BC really skimped on the border crossing. Wait until the US side is done it'll absolutely put ours to shame.

Its already happened at the Aldergrove crossing. The US checkpoint is brand new, state of the art, and has double the amount of booths. The Canadian side looks like a bomb shelter built in the 70's.

[go_leafs_go02]

US side is really coming along quite nicely now.

[officedweller]

From DJC.com:

Part of Peace Arch border crossing reopens
http://www.djc.com/stories/images/20090904/PeaceArch_roadway_big.jpg
Photo by Mike Derosa/Volvo Rents
A ceremony held on Wednesday by the U.S. General Services Administration
marked the reopening of the northbound lanes of Interstate 5 at the Peace Arch border crossing in Blaine.

The new southbound US customs building will extend to the east (to the right) under the northbound lanes.
They've only constructed the eastern part of the new building so far
(and will demolish the old building (on the left) once they transfer functions to the eastern part of the new building)

[metroXpress]

Took this pic when I was there... you can see the rendering of the US Border Authority.
http://img180.imageshack.us/img180/1306/dsc08759.jpg

Hosted on Imageshack

[hollywoodnorth]

good stuff thanks! :)

[WarrenC12]

Does anyboody else here have a Nexus pass? There is a serious problem with the Nexus lane going NB at peace arch. It gets "interrupted" near the very last on-ramp, and everybody with a non-Nexus takes this as a free pass to clog up the right hand lane again (which, for a period of a few hundred meters, is not marked "Nexus only"). Once you get past this bump, the Nexus lane is once again wide open.

A few weeks ago this turned a typical 10 min crossing into a 45 min mess.

Can somebody tell me what the future plan for this is? Are the renos considered done for the NB crossing?

[GeeCee]

I've got one, but I have no idea. I haven't taken the Peace Arch NB since they closed the ramp from Blaine temporarily since I usually grab gas nearby, and I'm used to Pacific Crossing. :)

[johnjimbc]

I've noticed that gap, but have never seen it abused on either side of the border. It almost seems on purpose. There is a gap on the US side as well. I've always assumed it is by design, to give the border crossing folks some leeway to direct traffic into that lane if they feel the need.

If people were moving over into the NEXUS lane in that gap no one at the border was stopping them, that's more of a knock on the border agency. Yes, there is a gap, but you'd have to be dumb to not realize it is a separate flow of traffic. The lane is clearly marked "NEXUS" over top at the crossing. If someone official had walked out there and redirected line-cutters back into normal lanes, you can bet they would have complied. I've seen the agents direct cars before in other situations, on both the US and Canada side. People are understandably on their best behaviour.

Sounds to me like one person did it, and a group of other cars just followed suit. Someone at the border should have stopped that in short order. Is it possible they had been directed to that lane by the border agency, perhaps to help relieve an unexpectedly large line-up? I've never seen them do that, but it would be nice to think they might on occasion (as irritating as that would understandably be to the NEXUS pass holders).

[WarrenC12]

I've noticed that gap, but have never seen it abused on either side of the border. It almost seems on purpose. There is a gap on the US side as well. I've always assumed it is by design, to give the border crossing folks some leeway to direct traffic into that lane if they feel the need.

If people were moving over into the NEXUS lane in that gap no one at the border was stopping them, that's more of a knock on the border agency. Yes, there is a gap, but you'd have to be dumb to not realize it is a separate flow of traffic. The lane is clearly marked "NEXUS" over top at the crossing. If someone official had walked out there and redirected line-cutters back into normal lanes, you can bet they would have complied. I've seen the agents direct cars before in other situations, on both the US and Canada side. People are understandably on their best behaviour.

Sounds to me like one person did it, and a group of other cars just followed suit. Someone at the border should have stopped that in short order. Is it possible they had been directed to that lane by the border agency, perhaps to help relieve an unexpectedly large line-up? I've never seen them do that, but it would be nice to think they might on occasion (as irritating as that would understandably be to the NEXUS pass holders).

My explanation was a little poor, and I understand it is hard to accurately describe without pictures, but the logjam into the Nexus lane was temporary. Further along, the lane was once again separated and wide open. Essentially we were delayed while people jammed the Nexus lane, then were forced to merge back into the regular lanes approx 80 meters later.

People will essentially do whatever you don't explicitly prohibit, that is a fact. My concern is the design itself. It revolves around the final on-ramp in the picture above. The whole time we waited there, nobody came up that ramp, so I question the usefulness.

One solution would be more plastic barriers all the way along the Nexus lane from the beginning. Near the last on-ramp they could have a break in the plastic for a few car lengths with clear signs indicating people coming on from that ramp who don't have Nexus must get into the regular lanes ASAP.

As for the border guards themselves, I've never seen them give any interest towards making people's lives easier in the lineup. I don't really think they should anyway, that's another issue, ideally solved by renos like this one.

[johnjimbc]

Ah, I understand what you are saying now. I thought you were talking about the gap right as you get in plain site of the border lane booths. My guess it the ramp won't be used until the new US border crossing is opened . . . it almost seems like a way to direct people back across the border and back into Canada.

I agree that gap, or any other one, should be blocked or clearly marked or at least clearly delineated via symbols or lines or expicit signs. It still seems a bit like willful ignorance for people to assume they can move over into that other lane, though I agree people tend to do what isn't explicitly prohibited.

I'm actually glad to hear they had to return to the normal lanes, though that obviously didn't help people using the NEXUS lane properly.

As for me, I've considered getting a NEXUS pass but haven't yet. Thanks for the reminder to finish the application.

[sacrifice333]

Does anyboody else here have a Nexus pass? There is a serious problem with the Nexus lane going NB at peace arch. It gets "interrupted" near the very last on-ramp, and everybody with a non-Nexus takes this as a free pass to clog up the right hand lane again (which, for a period of a few hundred meters, is not marked "Nexus only"). Once you get past this bump, the Nexus lane is once again wide open.

A few weeks ago this turned a typical 10 min crossing into a 45 min mess.

Can somebody tell me what the future plan for this is? Are the renos considered done for the NB crossing?

Seen it abused many times... tough to fix that merge / nexus problem though without a light... doubtful the Americans would care though as it would more quickly be negatively reflected on the Canadians re: the wait time.

[GeeCee]

Does anybody happen to have more recent pictures of this US part of this project?

[Millennium2002]

Apparently, this is the state that it theoretically should be in atm:

http://www.gsa.gov/graphics/regions/peace_arch_phase2.wmv

WARNING: clicking the link downloads a video from the General Service Administration.

The GSA used to release photos of ongoing construction but they've seemed to have stopped.

- Allan Kuan

[GeeCee]

Awesome, thanks a lot!

From reviewing the videos on that page, and looking at http://www.th.gov.bc.ca/ATIS/Camera2.html , it appears as if the bypass lane to the new inspection booths is just being installed now which should hopefully begin to relieve the recent congestion at the border.

[GeeCee]

New security features mean shorter waits at Peace Arch
SURREY (NEWS1130) - Some major improvements to the Peace Arch border are near completion. Soon heading into the States will now be more efficient and provide better safety.

This weekend the US Border Patrol began their transition into a new high tech security building. While the move will be gradual, the Service Port for Blaine aims to tear down the old building within the week.

So what can you expect now that the buildings are switched. Mike Milne with the Port says by the time construction is done in the fall there will be up to ten lanes southbound that could be open at any given time. Currently there are only three lanes to get you into the states.

Milne also says "With the security enhancements wait times should be shorter and that the new configuration will also allow the vast majority of travellers to be able to process through more effectively and efficiently and hopefully it will lead to less waiting and more travelling."

One of the more impressive security features includes having every lane equipped for Nexus use.

http://www.news1130.com/news/local/article/84536--new-security-features-mean-shorter-waits-at-peace-arch

The URL for the project has been changed due to a redesign of the US GSA website. The new URL is http://www.gsa.gov/portal/content/102837 . Still no updates, though.

Looks like some lanes have already been shifted.. not sure where those lanes lead, however: http://www.th.gov.bc.ca/atis/Camera2.html

[sacrifice333]

One of the more impressive security features includes having every lane equipped for Nexus use.

What the heck does this part mean?

You paid $50 and now you no longer go into the NEXUS lane you now just go into a normal lane... or simply they can put the NEXUS lane(s) anywhere they want depending on the traffic load?!

[GeeCee]

What the heck does this part mean?

You paid $50 and now you no longer go into the NEXUS lane you now just go into a normal lane... or simply they can put the NEXUS lane(s) anywhere they want depending on the traffic load?!

Could be.. not sure. News1130's reporting can be horrendous at times.

I would imagine that all lanes will now be equipped with the RFID reader needed to use your NEXUS card in case the NEXUS lane is closed for some reason, or the NEXUS line-up is longer than the regular line-up (I've seen it at Peace Arch before). This is already the case at the truck crossing though.. not a big deal, really. You can already use a NEXUS card at a standard lane to cross the border as of a few months ago.

I just found this press release from the US CBP in June..

GSA, CBP Announce Summer 2010 Plans for Border Traffic Revisions at Peace Arch in Blaine, Wash.
...
At the end of July, work will begin to demolish the old port building and rebuild the westernmost lanes of southbound Interstate 5. During this construction phase, nine primary inspection booths, including the NEXUS lane, will be available.

No changes to the existing lane configurations of northbound Interstate 5 will be necessary. The entire redevelopment project is scheduled to be completed by December 31, 2010.
...

http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/newsroom/news_releases/archives/june_2010/06082010.xml

[GeeCee]

Officials open new Peace Arch port of entry to traffic
Travelers crossing into the United States at the Peace Arch border crossing will find U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) have transitioned their operations into the new port of entry facility, which opened Saturday, July 31.

During this transition phase, both buildings will be used to process people and traffic. Additional officers will be stationed at the crossing and travelers will have to be alert to their directions as traffic patterns will once again be changed.

CBP spokesperson Thomas Schreiber said he doesn’t expect the transition to have a major impact on border wait times but travelers will still want to check border wait times and consider alternate crossings ahead of time, especially on weekends and Canadian holidays.

Schreiber said the new facility has been opened as a test of their computer systems. When border officials are confident things are running smoothly, they will begin to tear down the old facility as well as rebuild the westernmost lanes of southbound I-5 to make room for new lanes, he said. When completed, the new facility will have 10 lanes. Schreiber said he was unable to confirm a completion date although the entire project is scheduled to be completed by December 31, 2010.

During this transition phase, one NEXUS lane will remain open plus additional primary inspection booths will be available for movement of vehicles as construction permits.

The Peace Arch is still closed to all foot traffic. Pedestrians should instead use the Pacific Highway port for crossing into the United States, he said.

The Peace Arch port of entry construction project replaces the current facility, which was built in 1976 and is functionally obsolete. The complete project is expected to achieve Leadership in Environmental and Energy Design (LEED) Gold certification.

A portion of this project is being funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. GSA was appropriated more than $5.5 billion under the Recovery Act to convert federal buildings into high-performance green buildings, and build new, energy-efficient federal buildings, courthouses and land ports of entry.
Additional information on the project, including illustrations of current and planned traffic configurations, can be found by visiting www.gsa.gov/peacearch.

http://www.thenorthernlight.com/news/article.exm/2010-08-05_officials_open_new_peace_arch_port_of_entry_to_traffic

[Pinion]

edit: nevermind, answered my own question after re-reading the OP.

To add some content, whose bright idea was it to add a waterfall on the northbound crossing? I come so close to peeing my pants every time.

[GeeCee]

So now Washington State has new, state of the art border crossing buildings at Peace Arch, 176th, and Aldergrove. Meanwhile our border crossing buildings look like crap. Even our new on at Peace Arch isn't built to the same standard as the American one. BC = Busch League

Are you referring to the architecture, or security features? I think the new northbound entry into Canada at the Peace Arch is nice.. can't argue about 176th though. Hopefully someone finds some money to redo that one soon.

[Millennium2002]

Canada I presume was in fact ahead of the US in the "game" to upgrade the border crossings at Pacific Highway and Huntingdon... considering that the new US crossings seem to only match the number of lanes of the older Canadian ones. The one exception of course is the Aldergrove crossing, which needs an upgrade for sure.

[Millennium2002]

Not necessarily outdone. Things may look older... yes, but that isn't the whole part of the story. From satellite pictures you can tell that the modern and recently upgraded US crossings, with the exception of Aldergrove of course, have only the same number of lanes as the older Canadian crossings. This can either mean a lack of cross-border traffic (which is likely not true) or it could be telling us that we upgraded our posts earlier than the Americans did. If the latter is true, then it probably doesn't make a lot of sense for Canadians to tear each one down and replace it with something "newer".

[Millennium2002]

You sure that the Canadian side has only 8? I count 10 on satellite images, and there's 10 proposed for the US crossing as well.

[GeeCee]

Went through the Peace Arch today (usually take the truck crossing) for fun (okay, I may have a weird idea of fun). I took a few pictures of the rerouted area.. the primary inspection lanes are temporarily in the secondary inspection area, while Nexus members can use the two new primary inspection lanes. I unfortunately was not able to get pictures of the secondary inspection area since I just took the pictures from my truck.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4117/4911996644_49f6a2c243.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/46775833@N00/4911996644/)
IMAG0004 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/46775833@N00/4911996644/) by GoalCam (http://www.flickr.com/people/46775833@N00/), on Flickr

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4137/4911997050_7b55e92ee6.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/46775833@N00/4911997050/)
IMAG0006 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/46775833@N00/4911997050/) by GoalCam (http://www.flickr.com/people/46775833@N00/), on Flickr

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4139/4911393985_e7b95e0529.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/46775833@N00/4911393985/)
IMAG0007 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/46775833@N00/4911393985/) by GoalCam (http://www.flickr.com/people/46775833@N00/), on Flickr

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4081/4911394355_54398c29a6.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/46775833@N00/4911394355/)
IMAG0008 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/46775833@N00/4911394355/) by GoalCam (http://www.flickr.com/people/46775833@N00/), on Flickr

BTW, wouldn't this thread be more appropriate in the Transportation / Infrastructure forum?