Officials at Port Metro Vancouver plan to implement a pilot program that will require port-servicing drayage trucks to use only major roads in the port area.
The Canadian port authority's 90-day Truck Traffic Pilot Program, set to kick off on Aug. 25, seeks to divert drayage traffic away from smaller capacity port-area roads. Port-area community members have raised concerns to the port about increased truck traffic on secondary roads in the port area.
Port Metro Vancouver and City of Vancouver officials have been working together to address community concerns regarding an increase in the number of container trucks traveling on Nanaimo Street (north of Broadway) en route to the McGill/Commissioner Street entrance to the port.
In an effort to mitigate the impact of container trucks accessing the port via city streets, the port will implement a Truck Traffic Pilot Program requiring container trucks to use only Major Road Network (MRN) authorized routes in Vancouver. Nanaimo Street is not a Major Road Network route.
“The City of Vancouver is committed to addressing the concerns of residents impacted by container truck traffic on Nanaimo Street,” said Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson. “This issue is a priority and by working with the port on mitigation strategies, we will be able to better manage truck traffic on authorized truck routes in a way that balances local community needs with efficient port operations.”
Implementation of the pilot program will follow a 30-day notification period for members of the drayage and port industries.
During the 90-day pilot period, both the City of Vancouver and Port Metro Vancouver will monitor Nanaimo Street. The City of Vancouver will carry out truck counts in mid-September to monitor the effectiveness of this trial program. The City of Vancouver and Port Metro Vancouver will continue to meet regularly and evaluate the change.
City and port officials are encouraging area residents to provide public comments throughout the 90 days.
Port and city officials will review and evaluate the program following its conclusion to determine whether the route changes should be made permanent.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
