Tests Show Cobequid Pass Saves Fuel

Trucks burn less fuel on the Cobequid Pass than on the Wentworth Valley route, a sampling done by the Department of Transportation and Public Works reveals.

Fuel savings were achieved in each of three test runs conducted by professional drivers in December and last week. Three different truck configurations were used.

Electronic monitoring devices recorded fuel savings as high as 7.6 litres for a round trip using Cobequid Pass, which is nine kilometres shorter than Trunk 4 (the Wentworth Valley route). Time savings of 20 to 25 minutes were also recorded.

The report was prepared by the Technical Services Branch of the Department of Transportation and Public Works. It said total fuel consumption is influenced by many factors: road condition, air temperature, vehicle speed, engine efficiency and displacement, mass of the load carried, driver habits, and the distance travelled.

Driving at the posted speed limits (conditions that favour better gas mileage for Trunk 4), the sampling showed a loaded B-Train tractor trailer saved 7.6 litres of fuel for a round trip. Data showed an empty tandem salt truck saved .4 litres, and a fully loaded salt truck saved three litres of fuel on a round trip.

The report confirms grades on the Cobequid Pass are longer than on Trunk 4. However, the shorter highway reduces fuel consumption.