WINNIPEG, Man. – A new pilot project using longer vehicles to help lower the costs of bringing supplies to northern communities in Manitoba was recently unveiled by the provincial government. The one-year pilot project on Hwy. 6 will collect data in order to study the potential benefits of using the larger-capacity trucks such as achieving lower fuel costs to haul more freight, lowering food prices for northern communities, reduction of greenhouse gases and traffic reduction on provincial roads.

The vehicles to be used combine a semi-trailer and smaller pup trailer that exceeds current length limits on this highway. The longer trailer configurations may be up to 31.5 metres in length, which is 6.5 metres longer than normal vehicles.

The permits enhance normal safety provisions by requiring that operators use a specific route, ensure a minimum level of driver training and qualifications, restrict operations during adverse weather conditions and observe time-of-day restrictions to avoid high-traffic volumes. Participating carriers and the University of Manitoba Transport Institute will assess the project and its benefits to northern Manitoba residents.