Canada invests $18.5M in Port of Montreal truck traffic

Canadian truckers who haul out of the Port of Montreal may get some relief from all the congestion. The Canadian government recently announced that it will invest $18.5 million in infrastructure projects at the port.

On Monday, Aug. 12, Minister of Transport Marc Garneau announced the $18.5 million investment.

Funding will go toward increasing transport efficiency, capacity and security by reducing waiting times and bottlenecks for container movements at the Port of Montreal.

“Our government is investing in the Port of Montreal’s physical and digital infrastructure to stimulate economic growth, create quality middle-class jobs and ensure that Canada’s transportation networks remain competitive and efficient,” Garneau said in a statement. “The investment at the port will also help reduce congestion and truck traffic in and around its various terminals.”

As part of the investment, an IT system will become available for truck logistics. The system will allow drivers to register for access to the terminals, increasing the flow of traffic.

Another effort to improve truck traffic at the Port of Montreal includes a new bridge. Some funding will be used to build a railway bridge out of the truck entrance.

Also included in the investment will be a series of electronic signs that will provide truckers with real-time information. An “intelligent communications network” will also help reduce truck traffic around the Port of Montreal.

In addition to improving truck traffic, the project is expected to create nearly 400 jobs during the construction phase.

Funding is part of the Investing in Canada infrastructure plan. The plan includes investments of more than $180 billion over 12 years in public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and Canada’s rural and northern communities. More than $10 billion is for trade and transportation projects.

The Trade and Transportation Corridors Initiative will invest $2 billion over 11 years for the National Trade Corridors Fund. The fund is a merit-based program to make Canada’s trade corridors more efficient and reliable. The program includes supporting the flow of goods and passengers by reducing bottlenecks and addressing capacity issues, including issues at the Port of Montreal.