BUFFALO, N.Y. — A backup near the Peace Bridge has created headaches for commuters on Friday afternoon.
Buffalo Police around 3 p.m. issued a warning for drivers, telling them to "avoid Niagara Street, especially in the northbound direction, from Niagara Square to Porter Avenue."
At 6 p.m., NITTEC reported delays of three to four hours for drivers attempting to cross into Canada at the Peace Bridge. By 9:10 p.m., the estimated delay was still three to four hours.
NITTEC at 3:40 p.m. said congestion for northbound lanes extended as far south as the Smith Street exit. The 190 exit ramps at the Peace Bridge are now closed to traffic, in both directions. They were still closed at 9:10 p.m.
The delay impacted more than just Buffalo. According to NITTEC at 3:40 p.m. Friday, the delay for drivers attempting to cross into Canada was an hour to two hours, with congestion reported as far south as the Witmer Road exit.
The delay for drivers drivers attempting to cross into Canada at the Rainbow Bridge was two to three hours, according to NITTEC at 9:10 p.m.
The Customs and Immigration Union said border agents in Canada planned a work-to-rule job action Friday at 6 a.m.
That means they will follow every health and safety regulation in the book, which will increase border wait times going into Canada. It's all an attempt for Canadian border agents to get a new contract.
They say they haven’t had one in three years, leading to the work-to-rule job action on Friday.