Improved port access - Port of Montreal delighted with announcements from Quebec Transport Minister

MONTREAL, May 10, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - The Montreal Port Authority (MPA) is delighted with the dual announcement made by Mr. Sylvain Gaudreault, Quebec Minister of Transport and Minister of Municipal Affairs, Regions and Land Occupancy, concerning, on one hand, the signature of a collaborative framework with the City of Montreal for the extension of l'Assomption Blvd. and, on the other hand, the redevelopment of Highway 25 access routes to and from the Port of Montreal. The MPA offers its full collaboration to the QTM and the City of Montreal to determine the route of the extension of l'Assomption Blvd. and how it links with port facilities.

The two projects will complete efforts undertaken by the MPA on port territory in recent years to improve traffic flow for the approximately 1,500 trucks that travel daily in this sector of the Port of Montreal.

The l'Assomption Blvd. extension will provide trucks with a direct exit from the port toward the highway system. "The signature of the collaborative framework between the Quebec Transport Ministry and the City of Montreal is another important step in the search for a permanent solution for truck traffic in this sector of the city. And we are extremely pleased to be involved in developing this project," said Sylvie Vachon, President and CEO of the Montreal Port Authority.

For Highway 25, construction of a ramp leading south, before the entrance to the Hyppolyte-Lafontaine tunnel, will allow trucks to directly reach the new common entry truck portal located on port territory at the corner of Notre-Dame and de Boucherville streets. The reconfiguration of the entrance ramp leading north on Highway 25 will provide trucks leaving the port at the Hyppolyte-Lafontaine tunnel with direct access to the highway network.

"The fluidity of goods transportation on and next to ports is a crucial element of the supply chain," Ms. Vachon said. "These two projects will allow the Port of Montreal, the trucking industry and all port partners and clients to further improve operational efficiency and make the Montreal supply chain even more effective."

About the Port of Montreal

Operated by the Montreal Port Authority (MPA), the Port of Montreal is a major diversified transshipment centre that handles all types of goods - containerized and non-containerized cargo, liquid bulk and dry bulk. It is a leading container port served by the largest container shipping lines in the world.

The Port of Montreal handled 1,375,327 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) in 2012, representing 12,032,966 tonnes of cargo.

The port also handled 9,721,422 tonnes of liquid bulk, 3,467,394 tonnes of dry bulk and 3,070,054 tonnes of grain in 2012.

The Port of Montreal has its own rail network directly dockside. It is connected to the two national rail networks and a highway system. The port operates a passenger terminal that welcomed 70,092 passengers and crew members in 2012. All other terminals are run by private stevedoring firms.

Port activity supports 18,200 jobs and generates $1.5 billion in economic spin-offs annually.

SOURCE: MONTREAL PORT AUTHORITY

Yves Gilson
Acting Director of Communications
[email protected]
Tel.: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.port-montreal.com