Vancouver: The Vancouver Port Authority (VPA) announced today that it will restrict the use of south shore Port roadways to port-related traffic only, in response to concerns about safety and high traffic volumes. Restrictions will take effect beginning Monday, October 29. South shore Port roadways effected by the closures are Heatley Avenue overpass, Centennial Road, Stewart Street, Stewart Street Extension, Clark Street overpass, Commissioner Street and the Commissioner Street overpass.

The south shore Port roadway is a private, industrial roadway, funded by the Vancouver Port Authority and not by general taxpayer funds, says Captain Chris Badger, Vice-President, Operations, Vancouver Port Authority. Although the roadway runs adjacent to city streets, it is intended for port-related operations only. For the safety of commuters and port community employees, weve decided to restrict access to the private Port roadway.

Unlike residential roads, commercial roads pose a risk to commuters due to the heavy industry and commercial vehicles in the area. Commercial roads are also subject to different road and railway signage regulations than residential roads. Signage on these streets is not meant to take into consideration additional traffic not permitted to be on the road system.

In addition to safety concerns, the VPA reports that in recent years the volume of container traffic traveling on port roadways has increased substantially. A recently completed traffic study also confirms that around half the total traffic volume using the south shore Port roadway is currently non-port traffic.

The Port of Vancouver is Canadas largest and most diversified port, trading more than $29 billion in goods with more than 90 nations. In 2000, a record 76.6 million tonnes of cargo were shipped through the Port of Vancouver.

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For more information, please contact:

Anne McMullin,
Director, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs
Vancouver Port Authority
(604) 665-9069 (office)
(604) 665-9073 (fax)
(604) 218-1403 (cellular)
anne.mcmullin@portvancouver.com

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