The Port of Montreal is elated by the Government of Canada's contribution to a project promoting fluidity at the Port of Montreal
This morning, an announcement of vital importance to the smooth flow of freight transport at the Port of Montreal was made by Canada's Transport Minister, Marc Garneau: through the National Trade Corridors Fund, the Government of Canada is allocating $18.5 million to the Montreal Port Authority (MPA) for its $37 million project to increase freight mobility. The MPA will also be investing $18.5 million in the project.
By banking on greater fluidity and efficiency, this project addresses the constant growth in cargo volumes transiting the Port of Montreal each year. It is noteworthy that since 2009, the total number of goods handled has grown by 58% to 39 million tonnes in 2018, a fifth consecutive record year. In addition to its expansion projects and massive investments in its infrastructure to increase land capacity, particularly at the Viau Terminal and in Contrecoeur, the MPA is doing everything possible to improve, modernize and streamline the management of cargo and containers on its docks.
There are four components to this project:
Construction of a railway bridge at the exit of the truck gate where we are located. It will make it possible to eliminate traffic conflicts between trains and trucks.
Development of an Intelligent Transport System for port trucking in collaboration with the City of Montreal. This project will make it possible to better understand the origins and destinations of trucks beyond Port territory.
Deployment of a series of variable message signs to keep truck drivers informed in real time.
The development of solutions with our partners to modulate truck traffic at entry points based on actual activity on the terminals, thereby optimizing their service offering.
"This morning's announcement is exciting because the project will help us provide exporters and importers with ever more smooth and efficient service, and that will keep improving our competitive position in international trade," said Sylvie Vachon, President and CEO of the MPA.
The Port of Montreal is also excited about the announcement that $600,000 in funding has been awarded to the Université de Montréal to assess the effects of climate change on the Port of Montreal’s infrastructure. This research project could very well contribute to strengthening the sustainability of the port system and building its resilience to natural hazards.
The announcement took place in a key port area of the Port of Montreal, the truck gate located south of Boucherville Street.
For more information, check out the Government of Canada's press release here.