Those travelling to and from Saskatchewan to North Dakota may notice that the North Portal Entry point is currently undergoing renovations.
Luke Reimer with the Canada Border Services Agency says the upgrades started in May of 2018 and the project will take between 18 to 30 months to complete.
Some of the improvements include a taller canopy, an additional third point of entry and the remodeling and expanding of the commercial warehouse.
Reimer says the new construction at the warehouse will include installing solar panels which will cover 10 to 15 per cent of the building’s power use.
A drive-thru bay and two unloading bays will also be added.
Remier adds parking area will also be expanded to allow for 12 trucks, that’s up from the 8 that can currently be accommodated. Reimer says there have been minimal delays throughout the construction period, although he says they have been able to notify travellers ahead of time if there is specific work being done.
Reimer says at this time, there’s no timeframe of when the renovations will be fully completed.
North Portal is located approximately 38 kilometres from Estevan.