Canadian carriers give feds wish list of top infrastructure projects
OTTAWA, Ont. — Canadian carriers have banded together to provide the federal government with a list of proposed – and prioritized – infrastructure projects for 2013. The list, submitted by the provincial trucking associations and compiled by Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA), includes roads, bridges, border crossings and rest areas carriers consider in need of improvements.
According to the CTA, most of the major projects carriers suggested as part of last year’s wish list make a reappearance this year, with some notable additions. Additions include 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 and remediation to fix potholes and broken pavement on Hwy 6 to the Regway border crossing in Saskatchewan.
Carriers’ need for improved truck stop networks and additional safe rest areas for truckers to park is prominently featured in the updated list, according to the CTA.
“The 4,500 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 CEO 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.”
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Further to the roads and infrastructure improvements suggested by the truck transport industry via the Canadian Trucking Alliance to the Federal Government.
As a retiree and RV owner who has traveled across Canada from NS to BC numerous times mainly using the Trans Canada Highway, and again this past summer from west to east, I completely agree that there is an appalling lack of highway rest areas and facilities for truckers as well as RV’ers.
Note the number of brownish liquid filled pop bottles left on the side the road, for example.
All major truck stops should have dumping station facilities for RV and any trucks equipped with holding tanks particularly in Nova Scotia. I could name two truck stops where the dump site drains which recently had their drain covers welded shut. I cannot understand why the Provincial and Federal Governments couldn’t make some funds available to assist in providing these facilities. The truck and RV dealers are promoting sales of these vehicles and so there are more than ever traveling across Canada.
I know from experience how difficult it is to find a place to pull off the highway for a 15 minute rest, particularly in northern Ontario and the Maritimes. There has to be a huge number of sleepy drivers out there which of course is highly dangerous.
Its high time something was done about it.