Update on container truck traffic

1 view

Skip to first unread message

Eileen Mosca

unread,

Jul 25, 2011, 2:50:46 PM7/25/11

to SafeEastV...@googlegroups.com, knowaboutitingr...@googlegroups.com, Tom Durrie, Craig Ollenberger, Dan Fass, Eileen Mosca, James Evans, John Flipse, Nati Herron, Petronella Vander Valk, Richard Penneway

Hello everyone,

This morning Deputy City manager Sadhu Johnston phoned me( as a member of the ACTORS group) to discuss the container truck problem on Nanaimo and, with his agreement, I want to share the main points discussed with all of you:

The City has been having ongoing discussions with the Port about the adverse effects closing the Clark Drive entrance have had on local streets including Nanaimo, East Broadway and McGill. The Port acknowledges this problem and has proposed a series of actions designed to mitigate the immediate concerns and possibly resolve the container traffic problem permanently.
The Port has notified the trucking industry that all port bound container traffic must use Translink designated MRN routes (for a map of these routes go to www.translink.ca) ie, Boundary and Clark. Any container trucks deviating from these routes will have their license to operate within Port Metro Vancouver suspended. Needless to say, such a suspension would have devastating effects on a trucker’s ability to earn a living, so it is expected this will be a very effective enforcement tool.
To enforce this, the Port is advising truckers that they will have 2 staff members monitor Nanaimo with cameras to identify any trucks violating this new policy.
The Port has today set up 2 electronic billboards along Knight Street advising truckers that they are no longer allowed to use Nanaimo Street or any streets not designated MRN.
This will be a 2 month trial. In mid-September the City will conduct a new truck count on Nanaimo, funded in part by the Port, to assess the results.
In the interim, Mr Johnston will be happy to receive comments from residents during this trial period.

When I pointed out that re-opening the Clark Drive port entrance to incoming traffic appeared to be the most sustainable solution, Mr Johnston said that the City sees the value in that, but they want to give this proposal a 2 month trial before continuing discussions on opening the Clark Drive entrance. The Port would have to undertake a significant construction project to allow for the efficient entry of large volumes of container truck traffic from Clark Drive, and this cannot be accomplished in the immediate future.

It is expected that the measures outlined above will ensure that when our kids return to school in September, crossing Nanaimo Street will be a safe experience for them…and all pedestrians.

That’s the gist of this morning’s conversation, hope it will answer some of your concerns.