Truck Safety
- Projects & Programs
- Truck Safety
What to expect
As we build new transit lines and improve existing infrastructure to make it easier for people to move around the region, we know there are impacts to traffic while we work.
The movement of trucks to and from work sites keeps projects running smoothly and is an important part of delivering new transit services that will benefit communities for generations to come. However, we understand that it can contribute to traffic congestion and inconvenience for those living and working nearby.
From delivering construction material to hauling away excavated soil, trucks play an important part in building new transit.
We work closely with regional and municipal partners and our contractors to plan safe and efficient truck routes to support construction of new transit.
Below, you’ll find answers to frequently asked questions about how we plan and manage truck routes, and the steps we’re taking to minimize disruption and keep communities safe.
Why is there so much truck traffic?
Building transit infrastructure involves consistent movement of trucks to keep projects running smoothly. It starts with delivering the equipment and materials needed to set up work sites. These deliveries continue through every phase of construction to make sure work can proceed efficiently.
As excavation gets underway — whether it’s digging tunnels, preparing future station sites, or shaping the ground for a new transit route – trucks are used to haul away the large amounts of soil and debris that are removed. Regularly clearing out this material keeps work sites organized and uncluttered, helping make sure that construction can proceed smoothly.
Without this steady flow of truck traffic, project timelines could extend, causing more disruptions for communities.
How do you decide where a truck route should go?
Our goal is to find routes that minimize disruptions to communities and businesses while we work to deliver important and much-needed transit. Well-planned routes help larger vehicles move safely and efficiently to and from our work sites. Everyone benefits when these routes are used.
Before breaking ground on a project, we develop comprehensive traffic management plans for each construction site. As part of this work, we collaborate with our regional and municipal partners and contractors to map out routes that are respectful of local bylaws related to vehicle types and areas where truck traffic is restricted. Our approach is to avoid residential streets whenever possible, and prioritize main roads and arterial routes that are better suited to handle large vehicle volumes. We also make sure truck routes are aligned with existing traffic management plans and we strive to minimize congestion in busy areas and during peak hours.
We consider factors including existing and predicted traffic patterns, road capacity, other construction projects, and the location of sensitive areas and buildings like schools, hospitals, and residences. We also look at pedestrian and cyclist activity to make sure that routes are as safe as possible.
During construction, traffic conditions are monitored regularly, and adjustments to truck routes or schedules can be made when necessary to respond to changing conditions and community feedback.
What other safety measures do you put in place for trucks?
At Metrolinx, safety is at the centre of everything we do and planning the movement of trucks that support construction is no exception. Our approach includes several important considerations:
- Traffic management plans: In addition to clear signage and wayfinding, these plans may include the use of traffic flaggers, temporary traffic signals and road reconfigurations to help direct vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians safely around work zones. We work with our regional and municipal partners to develop these plans.
- Designated access points: Work sites are planned with designated entry and exit points for trucks and marked with clear signage. This controlled approach streamlines the movement of construction vehicles in and out of work zones and reduces potential hazards for regular traffic and pedestrians.
- Clear boundaries and traffic control: Protective barriers, temporary fencing, and traffic control personnel (like paid duty police officers) can be used where needed to keep people safe near construction zones. These measures help prevent incidents and maintain safe paths for those travelling through or near areas where trucks are operating.
We also inform the community well in advance about changes to traffic patterns, detours, and any significant increases in truck activity. To help keep communities and work sites safe, we collaborate with our contractors to make sure their teams adhere to designated truck routes wherever possible.
What are truck staging areas and how do you decide where to place them?
Staging areas are designated spaces near construction sites where trucks can park before entering a work zone. These areas play an important role in keeping construction running smoothly.
We work with our municipal and regional partners to align staging areas with traffic management plans. Whenever possible, we place staging areas along main roads or in industrial zones. During construction, we strive to time truck arrivals and departures so that trucks spend less time idling while waiting to access the site.
Establishing staging areas sometimes requires repurposing existing parking spaces. We understand that this can create challenges, so we work closely with residents and businesses to explore potential solutions to make sure there are safe parking alternatives while work is underway.
How do you manage truck traffic during peak travel hours?
Whenever possible, we strive to schedule truck movements during off-peak hours. This approach helps keep traffic flowing smoothly when roads are busiest. In situations when trucks need to operate during peak times, we work to reduce disruptions by carefully managing routes and coordinating with municipal and regional authorities to keep traffic flowing as smoothly as possible.
Get in touch
We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we work together to create a faster, more connected transit network for the future.
If you have questions about work on a Metrolinx project being built close to you, please reach out to the Community Engagement team in your area:
