The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure in British Columbia and lower mainland ports in the Canadian province have worked together to create project cargo corridors that will simplify the permit approval process for non-divisible loads.

The establishment of the corridors, according to the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, is expected to save the trucking industry time and attract more specialised products through British Columbian ports.

The corridors connect Fraser Surrey Docks and Lynnterm East Gate with the Alberta border at Highway 6.

Pre-approved configurations will be able to obtain permits without completing the traditional extraordinary load approval process.

It applies to commercial vehicles with the following specifications: a configuration of between eight to 13-axle super loads; a gross combined vehicle weight up to 125,000 kg (125 tonnes); an overall height up to 4.88 m; an overall width up to 5 m; and an overall length up to 50 m.

Inter-axle spacing and axle spreads are controlled for these pre-approved vehicles. Other vehicle combinations will still need to use the extraordinary load approval process, which can take up to 12 business days. “This is because of the analysis required to ensure the vehicle’s weight and dimensions will not damage infrastructure along the trip route,” explained the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure.

By having pre-approved vehicle specifications and routing in place, trip approvals on these project cargo corridors can occur within two business days.

The new permit process will be evaluated throughout the first year of operation, with potential to expand to other highway corridors in the future.

www2.gov.bc.ca

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