The Details
For those seeking to cross the border between Canada and the United States in the Niagara area, the Lewiston Queenston Bridge may not be the optimal choice. Locals often regard it as the least desirable option due to its traffic that causes lengthy wait times, with a minimum wait of 30 minutes. But what else should travelers know about this bridge and its tolls?
Lewiston Queenston Bridge – details
The Lewiston Queenston Bridge, also known as the Queenston-Lewiston Bridge, is one of the busiest international commercial land crossings in the region. It was opened in 1962 and connects Highway 405 in Ontario with Interstate 190 in Lewiston, New York. Situated close to the Niagara River gorge, south of the Niagara Escarpment, the bridge has significant historical value.
Pedestrians are not permitted on the Lewiston Queenston Bridge, but licensed taxi services are allowed.
Lewiston Queenston Bridge – pricing
There are two toll plazas, one on the United States side and one on the Canadian side, with the toll booth located on the United States plaza. Toll prices for passenger automobiles are $5 or $6.50 CAD, payable by cash, E-ZPass, or mobile app payment, when crossing westbound into Canada.
The Lewiston Queenston Bridge has 6 customs booths for cars/buses and 3 customs booths for trucks in the US-bound direction. There is also a parking area for truck inspections. In the Canada-bound direction, there are 10 customs booths for cars/RVs and 5 customs booths for trucks, as well as a dedicated bus processing lane and a helipad.
Payments
Toll pricing in Lewiston Queenston Bridge is consistent. It doesn’t depend on traffic volume or the time of the day
E-ZPass electronic toll collection is accepted, and travelers can also use the mobile app Uproad to pay their tolls quickly and easily.
Additional information
The Lewiston Queenston Bridge border crossing is open 24/7 and features two duty-free stores between the two plazas.
The Lewiston Queenston Bridge is often compared to the Rainbow Bridge at Niagara Falls, designed by Richard (Su Min) Lee, and is sometimes described as a replica of the latter. While the two bridges share similarities in design, such as the main arch span, there are significant differences in construction methods. The Lewiston Queenston Bridge was erected using falsework bents, while the Rainbow Bridge was built with the support of arch tiebacks. These distinctions illustrate the unique characteristics of each structure.
Overall, while the Lewiston Queenston Bridge may not be the most efficient crossing option for those traveling between Canada and the United States in the Niagara region, it remains a historic landmark and important border crossing point.