DETROIT -- As tractor-trailers rumbled across the U.S.-Canada border behind them, President George W. Bush and Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien reported progress in tightening security at crossings while keeping goods flowing between the world's largest trading partners.

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President Bush Visits Ambassador Bridge

"This great and peaceful border must be open to business, open to the people, and it's got to be closed to terrorists and criminals," Bush said.

Added Chretien: "We want to ensure the threat of terror will not undermine the security of our citizens or hold our economies hostage."

The two leaders announced the launch Monday of a program meant to cut red tape for carriers moving in both directions while ensuring their payloads pose little security risk.

They opened registration for the Free and Secure Trade Program, which will expedite the clearance process for approved carriers when it is up and running this December at six crossings.

The program is meant to keep trade humming to and from the vital industrial region.

The attacks on Sept. 11 changed the way millions cross the Ambassador Bridge, Local 4 reported. Many stopped crossing for leisure, but commercial shipments stagnated by security traffic jams are reportedly back to normal.

The Ambassador Bridge is the busiest crossing on the U.S./Canadian border and averages $1.3 billion a day in trade between both countries.

Security is expected to be tight today at the Ambassador Bridge. It is open, but is expected to be slow. Commuters wishing to cross the border may want to take the Detroit/Windsor Tunnel or the Blue Water Bridge in Port Huron.

Stay with Local First News and ClickOnDetroit.com for the latest on today's presidential visit.