The nation's borders will remain secure even though new commercial lanes are expected to speed up truck traffic crossing into the United States from Mexico, Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge told The Associated Press Dec. 4.

"Mexico is one of our largest trading partners," Ridge said, "and it is absolutely critical that we prevent terrorists from infiltrating the commercial chain to launch an attack."

The new system intends to speed up truck traffic that often has slowed to a crawl because of increased security after the September 11 terrorist attacks.

Two of six truck lanes at the Bridge of the Americas in East El Paso, TX, are dedicated to the "Free and Secure Trade" system. Trucks using those lanes can expect waits of about 15 minutes, customs officials said. Truckers using the other lanes will be delayed for an hour or longer.

Ridge made his comments while touring the Bridge of the Americas, the first border crossing with the new checkpoints on the nation's Southwest border.

Ridge was given a demonstration of the system, which requires pre-registration, background checks for Mexican companies and drivers, advanced notification of cargo contents and special container seals.

El Paso's system, which began operation in late September, is modeled on the one used for Canadian truck commerce. Similar setups are scheduled to begin operating at the end of January at border crossings in Laredo, Hidalgo and Brownsville, TX; Nogales, AZ; and Otay Mesa and Calexico, CA.

Ridge said that no material associated with weapons of mass destruction had so far been intercepted on the nation's Southwest border.