Motor Carriers to Feds: Fix This, Please
Out of the countless infrastructure projects needed across Canada, which are the ones that are most vital to ensure productive and efficient trade flow? Once again, Canadian carriers have provided the federal government a helpful guide to assist in prioritizing possible infrastructure investments in 2013.
The list, submitted by the provincial trucking associations and compiled by Canadian Trucking Alliance, includes a comprehensive list of roads, bridges, border crossings and rest areas that Canada’s motor carriers consider to be in need of improvements.
Many potential projects on the list will increase safety and alleviate congestion on highways.
Most of the major projects carriers suggested last year make a reappearance on this year’s wish list, with some notable additions, including the establishment of a Mid-Peninsula Corridor in southern Ontario and more rest stop-lane widening additions on Hwy 11 past Thunder Bay; as well as “badly needed” resurfacing & remediation to fix potholes and broken pavement on Hwy 6 to the Regway border crossing in Saskatchewan.
Once again, carriers’ need for improved truck stop networks and additional safe rest areas for truckers to park is prominently featured in the updated list.
(To view or download the full CTA Infrastructure Priorities list, click here).
“The 4500 carriers that make up the CTA are quite aware of the economic climate they operate in and are not oblivious to the fact that federal budgets are constrained for many of these types of projects,” says CTA David Bradley. “However, no one has a better understanding of the state of Canada’s aging infrastructure than the people who use the highways, bridges and border crossings every day.
“The list is simply a guide to assist the government in its strategic framework and wherever in Canada the government does decide to make infrastructure investments, it would be undoubtedly wise to consider the suggestions of those who see first-hand where possible improvements make the most sense and provide Canadians the biggest bang for their buck.”
If you would like to learn more about each individual project recommendation, please contact the appropriate provincial trucking association at the email addresses listed below:
Alberta: amtamsc@amta.ca – Atlantic Canada: apta@apta.ca – BC: louisey@bctrucking.com – Manitoba: bobd@trucking.mb.ca – Ontario: Marco.Beghetto@ontruck.org – Quebec: info@carrefour-acq.org – Saskatchewan: arosseker@sasktrucking.com
Click here to download the full CTA Infrastructure Priorities List.
By : Canadian Trucking Alliance