In a roundtable last week hosted by the Windsor-Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA) and chaired by Federal Minister or Infrastructure, the Honorable Francois-Phillipe Champagne, OTA chairman David Carruth and staff laid out opportunities for the success of the bridge and how it would benefit the trucking industry.
“The key for this project from my perspective is to ensure the physical movement of drivers, trucks and freight keeps pace with the electronic transfer of information to provide for an efficient border process,” said Carruth. “The groundwork has been laid with various border programs at crossings across North America and we now have the opportunity, working with our border partners, to incorporate the best of these technologies and processes.”
On the operations side of things emphasis was placed on dedicated infrastructure for Free and Secure Trade, accommodations for LCV’s, an electronic tolling system that is interoperable with other systems widely in-use by OTA members; Onsight inspection facilities and the importance of facilitating dangerous goods and over-dimensional shipments.
“WDBA is off to a great collaborative start and their willingness to engage OTA and its members in how the bridge can best be designed to accommodate drivers, trucks and freight. We look forward to continued dialogue,” added Carruth.
The official announcement for the start of the project was made in October. Now, with construction underway, key aspects of the design and operational components can be finalized, including the detailed aspects of how trucks and drivers will interact with the facility.
“OTA’s Cross Border Council will commence its role in channeling information to the bridge authority right away. It’s important the industry continues to be involved encourage as I encourage OTA members to participate in this consultation effort. It’s not often we have a project of this magnitude where we can have a direct impact,” said Carruth.