SWEETGRASS — A drop in traffic due to the COVID-19 pandemic is prompting changes at six border crossing stations in Montana.
Citing a “significant reduction in privately owned vehicle and pedestrian traffic along our northern border,” U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has temporarily reduced the hours of operation at six ports of entry in Montana.
CBP will continue to operate the ports at reduced hours due to a 30-day extension of the “essential only” travel restrictions. With the “essential only” travel restrictions imposed on March 21 in response to the COVID 19 pandemic, cross-border travel has significantly declined, according to a news release.
CBP notes in a news release that reducing the hours of operations at ports of entry will allow the agency to continue to provide service to these communities as we work to keep our employees safe from COVID-19 exposure and community spread.
The affected ports of entry include Raymond, Opheim, Morgan, Turner, Del Bonita and Piegan.
- Temporary hours Port of Raymond: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week.
- Temporary hours at the Port of Opheim: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, closed Saturday and Sunday.
- Temporary hours at the Port of Morgan: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, closed Saturday and Sunday.
- Temporary hours at the Port of Turner: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, closed Saturday and Sunday.
- Temporary hours at Del Bonita: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, closed Saturday and Sunday.
- Temporary hours at the Port of Piegan: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week.
CBP advises that travelers considered essential should adjust their travel according to the temporary hours of operation. The reduced hours will remain in effect until 11:59 p.m. EDT on May 20, or until the current travel restrictions are lifted.
