Site has parking for over 100 commercial trucks, includes washrooms, security cameras
The federal government and British Columbia are providing commercial long-haul drivers travelling through the Lower Mainland with a new place to stop and rest.
The provincial government is opening the North Surrey Truck Parking Facility on March 28. The new facility is on Highway 17, about 600 metres east of the Port Mann Bridge.
Ottawa contributed to the project as part of a larger $109-million investment that also includes funding for the widening of the Trans-Canada Highway 1 between 216th and 264th streets. This initiative is funded through the New Building Canada Fund’s Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component, National and Regional Projects.
Meanwhile, the provincial government contributed $17 million for the construction of the new parking facility for truckers.
“Commercial long-haul drivers are the lifeblood of our supply chain, and it’s important they’re supported with infrastructure that allows them to do their jobs safely, efficiently and comfortably,” said Rob Fleming, B.C.’s minister of transportation and infrastructure. “The new North Surrey Truck Parking Facility is an important addition for commercial drivers travelling to and through the Lower Mainland, as it provides another safe, secure and convenient place to stop and rest.”
Washrooms, security measures at North Surrey Truck Parking Facility
The provincial government chose the location for the new truck parking facility for its proximity to major Lower Mainland truck routes, it said. The site has parking for 106 commercial trucks, and includes facilities such as washrooms with showers and a sani-dump for drivers. It also features security measures, such as fencing, cameras and 24-hour security.
Tybo Contracting Ltd. of Langley was responsible for construction of the new facility. Jacob Bros. Construction completed the first phase of work at the facility, which includes a signalized intersection along Highway 17 to provide safe access.
The new facility for long-haul truck drivers follows a series of overpass crashes in B.C.
Dave Earle, president and CEO, BC Trucking Association, welcomed the creation of the new facility.
“Providing adequate parking facilities for commercial drivers to rest and recharge is vital to enhance safety in B.C.’s commercial trucking industry,” he said. “This is a great facility that I am confident will be extensively used. I am also pleased to hear that the Province is exploring additional parking options for commercial vehicles as it improves the Highway 1 corridor through the Fraser Valley.”
New parking facilities in Surrey
B.C.’s announcement comes after, on March 12, the Surrey City Council approved license agreements for truck parking purposes.
The agreements provide 150 truck parking spaces overall.
“Surrey has long had a lack of truck parking spaces, leading to various challenges such as bylaw infractions, safety concerns, and negative impacts on businesses and residents,” said Mayor Brenda Locke.
“It is important to address this issue because I have often said trucking is our economy on wheels. Council has now taken concrete steps to resolve this by creating truck parking lots at four City-owned sites. With approximately 150 spots available, truck drivers will now finally be able to park their vehicle at the specially designated truck parking lots.”
The city government will lease the following city-owned sites to Prudential Transportation Ltd. on a temporary basis, specifically for truck parking purposes:
- Site 1 – 13119, 13123 115A Avenue, 13132/34 115B Avenue and 11561 132 Street
- Site 2 – 12875 112B Avenue
- Site 3 – 17768 96 Avenue
- Site 4 – 18949 52 Avenue
Surrey will provide initial capital investments to improve the sites for truck parking, while Prudential Transportation will be responsible for maintenance and operational requirements.
The city government selected Prudential Transportation as the preferred operator based on their “strong financial standing, experience in operating large truck parks, and commitment to prioritizing Surrey-based trucks for parking,” it said.
