A new commercial vehicle inspection station has opened ahead of schedule, just east of Terrace, along Highway 16 in northwestern British Columbia.

The facility incorporates advanced transportation technology to expedite the inspection process for commercial vehicles. It also provides a rest area for drivers, especially those operating longhaul trucks, according to a Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure news release.

“This new inspection station means commercial transport operators now have a clean and safe place to rest, and people in the northern region can get the goods and supplies they need,” said Rob Fleming, B.C. minister of transportation and infrastructure. “It means safer roads for everyone.”

For commercial drivers, the new station includes advanced technology like overheight detectors, automatic vehicle identification (AVI) and weigh-in-motion (WIM) technology, which checks the height, weight and safety credentials of registered vehicles at highway speeds without requiring them to leave the highway. In addition, the new tire anomaly and classification system improves safety by detecting missing or underinflated tires.

“The opening of this new facility will significantly enhance mobility for both local and long-haul commercial drivers,” said Pablo Rodriguez, federal minister of transport. “It will improve supply chain efficiency, reduce traffic disruptions and improve driver safety along the important Hwy. 16 trade corridor in British Columbia.”

Parking spaces

Longhaul drivers will benefit from additional parking spaces designated for rest. Washrooms will be accessible during office hours, supplemented by rest-area toilets that are always accessible. Local and commercial drivers will see a decrease in traffic disruptions and delays because the new station is located further away from the Hwy. 16/37 intersections, the release stated.

“The new inspection station is a significant addition to our northern region, enhancing safety for everyone on the road. The B.C. Trucking Association is so pleased to see this development come to fruition,” said Dave Earle, BCTA president and CEO. “This means carriers and drivers operating along this busy route will have the opportunity to access advanced technology to ensure their loads are secure, and it serves as a much-needed rest area.”

Reefer plug-ins and Wi-Fi

The facility also includes parking for the public and oversize vehicles, and will support short-term truck parking (five stalls), overnight truck parking (10 stalls), refrigeration unit plug-ins, Wi-Fi and oversize-vehicle staging for inter-regional transport trips.

The $34.3-million project was jointly funded, with the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure providing $19.2 million and Transport Canada providing $15.1 million. Construction was completed nearly six months ahead of schedule.