Ontario truckers have weighed in on two transportation issues facing the city of Toronto.
In surveys distributed by the Ontario Trucking Association (OTA) on behalf of the city, carriers indicated they're against the demolition of the Gardiner Expressway and that they have concerns about the installation of physically separated bike lines on certain downtown streets.
As for the Gardiner, respondents were asked to vote to: do nothing; eliminate; replace; or improve the Gardiner. Trucking respondents strongly favoured replacing or improving the Gardiner, and offered to work with the city to help develop more details on how the roadway can be improved.
"OTA has strongly encouraged the City of Toronto to engage our association and membership to explore methods and options regarding future construction that would support the better movement of commercial vehicles along the Gardiner," the OTA said in a release.
Meanwhile, respondents were asked for their opinion on the installation of physically separated bike lines on a number of downtown streets. Truckers' had varying opinions on the matter, depending on which streets were more important to their delivery routes.
"Whichever roadway is selected; there will be a number of commercial vehicle operators who will have concerns about the installation of the new divided lanes on all road listed," the OTA said. "OTA's members do recognize the safety benefits of physically separated bike lanes; these same members also would like the City of Toronto to understand the possible disruption to delivery service in the area these lanes are installed."
