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.”
