Port Metro Vancouver’s Re-opens to Inbound Containers Trucks

 

Port Metro Vancouver has re-opened its Clark Drive access gate to inbound container trucks destined for the Centerm container terminal. Inbound access had been closed since 2010 due to unacceptable levels of congestion and traffic management issues along Clark Drive and on port property. Until the re-opening, all inbound container trucks entered Port Metro Vancouver’s south shore at Commissioner Street.

The re-opening of Clark Drive has been made possible by extensive improvements to Port Metro Vancouver’s roadways intended to increase the fluidity of truck and rail traffic in the region.

“Port Metro Vancouver has been working with the City of Vancouver towards the common goal of re-opening the Clark Drive access,” said Robin Silvester, President and Chief Executive Officer, Port Metro Vancouver. “With the completion, and near completion, of several key components of the South Shore Corridor Project, we are now better able to manage container truck traffic in the area and are pleased to re-establish Clark Drive as an important artery into the port.”

The $75 million South Shore Corridor Project is a component of the Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor Initiative and provides a reliable and continuous road connection through the port. It includes the Stewart Street elevated road, which has eliminated rail/road conflicts at 10 at-grade road-rail crossings, improving rail and road access to the terminals in the area. The investment enables longer trains and more efficient rail operations, reduces train-related noise and local road congestion, and shortens wait times for trucks and other vehicles.

The re-opening of Clark Drive to container traffic bound for Centerm is also expected to reduce the number of trucks travelling east-west routes through the city to Commissioner Street, especially those travelling at night to access terminals which are now open later to improve overall container truck operations.

Port Metro Vancouver continues to work with the cities of Vancouver and Richmond to implement dynamic messaging signage to help manage and direct container truckers on local streets. The signs have been approved by the City of Vancouver and will be completed this year.