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A “goods movement network” is one of the many new items promised in London’s new transportation master plan unveiled this week, promising “safe and efficient” trucking into, within, and out of the city. Jack Moulton looks at what it is and what it’s intended to tackle.
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WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE GOODS MOVEMENT NETWORK?
Sarah Grady, the city’s transportation design manager, said the network is designed to highlight where more priority should be placed when road projects come up. In other words, being part of this network is one more factor potentially pushing road projects to the front of the line.
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“In planning our roads projects, the movement of goods, it’s maybe not the sexiest part of the plan,” she said. “It’s certainly an important thing to consider to make sure that we’re keeping our shelves stocked and things available for people to buy.”
The network could also lead to design improvements, such as larger intersections for wider turning.
Grady points to the city’s manufacturing sector, the third-highest employment sector in London, as a key reason behind the move — both as an accommodation and an incentive.
The proposed network would also help the movement of goods in and out of the city, including from highways 401 and 402, the Southwold Amazon centre and the upcoming Volkswagen battery plant in St. Thomas.
WHERE WOULD THE NETWORK BE FOCUSED?
Unsurprisingly, many of the city’s major roads are crucial to goods movement, including Veterans Memorial Parkway, Highbury and Bradley avenues, Wonderland, Fanshawe Park, Wellington and Commissioners roads, and Horton Street.
WOULD THE NETWORK RESTRICT WHERE TRUCKS CAN TRAVEL?
No. The new network would build off existing rules that dictate where trucks can and can’t travel, and in some cases, when.
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London bylaws generally ban or steer heavy truck traffic away from high-traffic and residential areas — largely in downtown, east and south London.
WOULD THERE BE A PUBLIC BENEFIT?
Grady said the wider commuting public likely won’t notice much of a difference, as the network would focus on arteries already well-used by heavy industry in London. The network also is not intended to push more trucks onto these roads, she said.
“We want to make sure we’re accommodating that (industry) need appropriately and supporting London’s economic growth.”
WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE TRANSPORTATION MASTER PLAN?
Beginning next month, city staff will host several public meetings seeking feedback on all proposed networks in the transportation master plan:
- Jan. 8: South London Community Centre, drop in from 6-8 p.m.
- Jan. 9: East Lions Community Centre, drop in from 6-8 p.m.
- Jan. 15: Northbrae elementary school, drop in from 6:30-8:30 p.m.
- Jan. 16: Cherryhill Village Mall, drop in from 6-8 p.m.
The draft networks will be brought to politicians in the spring, where they could be subject to change, with the full plan following in the summer.
jmoulton@postmedia.com
@JackAtLFPress
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