MONTREAL, Que. — The Government of Canada will invest up to $9 million to build a common portal for the entry and exit of trucks at the Port of Montreal.

Officials say the infrastructure project is designed to improve port operations, which rely heavily on container shipment through the Port of Montreal and generate a substantial flow of truck traffic in and around the port.

“The improved truck access through the portal will directly benefit haulage companies and the entire transportation logistics chain,” said a government release. “The work will have positive effects on medium and long term economic development, while creating jobs in the short term.”

“The construction of a common portal will permit the Port of Montreal to improve the flow of truck traffic and increase its competitiveness. In addition, by significantly decreasing the wait time of trucks, this system will reduce the environmental footprint of port activities,” said Sylvie Vachon, newly appointed president and CEO of the Port Authority of Montreal.

The Government of Canada’s investment comes from its $4 billion Infrastructure Stimulus Fund. The Port Authority of Montreal will assume the balance of the project costs, which are estimated at a total of $18 million.