The quality of Canada’s transportation infrastructure and the efficiency of the country’s trade corridors are vital to the success of Canadian companies in the global marketplace. For this reason, the Canadian Government announced a major investment of $47.5 million for two projects that will increase capacity at the Port of Halifax to move Canadian goods to international markets.
The first project will increase storage capacity at the Port of Halifax by linking the South End Container Terminal to the Fairview Cove Container Terminal by rail. Among other improvements, the Port will add rail tracks within its current footprint and buy four new rail-mounted cranes to load and unload containers faster and more efficiently at both terminals.
Because of the project, there will be an increase in the transportation of goods by rail between the two terminals in downtown Halifax, and a decrease in traffic congestion.
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The second project will upgrade the Windsor Street Exchange, which is the main access road to the Port of Halifax. This work will realign the Bedford Highway, upgrading Lady Hammond Road and installing new traffic signals to improve traffic flow. These upgrades will limit traffic congestion, enhance safety and increase the reliability and efficiency of freight movements.
These investments are expected to have important economic and employment benefits for the region by creating about 880 jobs during construction.
Canada is now supporting infrastructure projects that contribute most to Canada’s success in international trade. Trade diversification is a key component of the National Trade Corridors Fund, funding projects that:
- Improve the fluidity and performance of the transportation system to increase the value and volume of goods exported from Canada to overseas markets;
- Increase new overseas trade as a result of the investment.
Our government is investing in Canada’s economy by making improvements to our trade and transportation corridors. We are supporting projects to efficiently move goods to market and people to their destinations, stimulate economic growth, create quality middle-class jobs, and ensure that Canada’s transportation networks remain competitive and efficient
Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport, stated.
