Defining a Strategic Freight Network for the Greater Toronto Area

Abstract

The Ontario Ministry of Transportation, in cooperation with regional municipalities, is developing a comprehensive transportation plan for the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) to enhance mobility for people and goods while supporting broader economic, environmental, and social objectives. Trucks are responsible for the transportation of an estimated 80 percent of the goods in the GTA. To provide input into the current GTA transportation planning exercise, the strategic freight network in the GTA was identified, the importance of the strategic road network for efficient and effective goods movement was assessed, and initiatives concerning operational improvements and infrastructure programs that can enhance or support goods movement were identified. It was postulated that the majority of goods-movement trips in the GTA were concentrated to, from, or in “Freight Centres” and that most truck activity took place on prominent parts of the local and regional transportation infrastructure between these Freight Centres. Four distinct and specific land uses were identified as being strong indicators of goods-movement origins and destinations. They are manufacturing and assembly facilities; warehouses; intermodal terminals; and trucking support facilities, including yards, terminals, parking, and service locations. Congestion and the absence of sufficient routing information were found to be the principal issues faced by the goods-movement industry. Several informational, capital, and operational improvements were subsequently identified and should be considered within the context of the strategic freight network that could enhance the use of the system by goods-movement operators.