Key trucking route upgraded in northern New Brunswick

PLASTER ROCK, N.B. -- Improvements have been completed to the Trout Brook Bridge on Route 109, a key trucking route in northern New Brunswick, so that it can accommodate trucks carrying loads of up to 50,000 kilograms.  

"By working with the local business community, we have addressed concerns about having to detour by way of Grand Falls or load at less than capacity to reach businesses in western New Brunswick and the United States," said Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Claude Williams.

The department evaluated the route, including structures, determining that the gross vehicle weight rating of all of Route 109 could be increased to 50,000 kilograms from 43,500 kilograms by reinforcing the bridge. Built in 1960, it was not designed to carry heavier commercial loads.

The department tendered a contract in July to strengthen the structure's four beams. The tender closed on Aug. 19 and it was awarded to Fyfe Co. - Atlantic region, Moncton. The company began work on Oct. 3 and finished on Oct. 8.

Each beam had five metres of each of its ends wrapped with a fibre-reinforced polymer to increase the load-carrying capacity of the bridge to the full legal limit.

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International showcases upgraded ProStar+, TranStar at ATA

DALLAS, Texas -- Navistar showcased an International ProStar+ and TranStar at the American Trucking Associations' convention, highlighting a variety of new driver-friendly options.

"Rebounding freight volume, along with the effects of CSA 2010, have resulted in a growing driver shortage among Class 8 fleets," said Jim Hebe, Navistar senior vice-president, North American sales operations. "Customers today are asking us more and more to provide products that will help fleets attract and retain qualified drivers. We believe these product features deliver on that need."

The ProStar+ on display had a new Diamond interior trim package, with diamond-stitched trim on the seats, door panels and throughout the sleeper cab. The new interior will be available for order in mid-2012 and in addition to being stylish, is also durable and easy to clean, Navistar officials said.

Already available for order on the ProStar+ are: an in-dash GPS system featuring prognostics, fault code and tire pressure monitoring and a premium stereo; the MaxxPower battery-powered HVAC system that provides no-idle heating and cooling while guarding against battery depletion by automatically starting the engine to recharge the batteries when necessary; Bendix's Wingman Advanced collision mitigation system, which combines adaptive cruise control with braking features; Bendix disc brakes; the Bendix AutoVue lane departure warning system; LED interior lighting designed to last 100 times longer and use 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs; and a Fontaine 12-inch Ultra NT fifth wheel that saves up to 50 lbs.

The regional haul TranStar was displayed with a new Eagle interior trim package with air ride seats, a wood-grained dash, chrome accents and bezels and a 'wing panel' over the center console. Navistar officials said the new package offers a more premium and comfortable driving experience for regional haul truck drivers.

Also on display was a new commercial-duty Allison TC-10 transmission that will be offered in mid-2012. Company reps said the transmission will provide seamless shifting through a 10-gear range through the use of a torque converter and twin countershaft design.

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