Seattle creates street network for heavy trucks

The network will allow the Northwest Seaport Alliance of Seattle and Tacoma to better compete with other U.S. West Coast ports, Port of Seattle Commission Co-President Courtney Gregoire said in a statement.    The Seattle City Council has passed legislation that will establish a network of streets in the city where heavy cargo can be hauled. The network will allow heavier cargo containers to be transported between the Port of Seattle, industrial businesses and rail yards.
   “A heavy haul corridor will help freight move more safely and efficiently through our industrial center,” said Seattle Mayor Ed Murray, who noted the plan “will support thousands of trade-dependent jobs and businesses in Seattle, around the region, and across the country.”
   Murray’s office said the measure provides a framework to repair and build roadways within the network, calls for semi-annual safety inspections of heavy haul trucks, and aligns weight regulations with the state and other municipalities across the country.
   Port of Seattle Commission Co-President Courtney Gregoire said the network will make the Northwest Seaport Alliance “a more competitive international gateway and improve the livelihood of truck drivers. Seattle’s heavy haul network, like others in Los Angeles, Long Beach and Tacoma, will allow freight to move more safely and efficiently through our North Harbor.”
   The Port of Seattle is contributing $250,000 towards start-up and implementation costs for 2016 and 2017. To offset the anticipated impacts of allowing heavier trucks, the port will contribute between $10 million and $20 million over the next 20 years towards roadway repair and reconstruction within the network.
   Commercial drivers will be required to purchase a $200 annual permit for transporting loads up to 98,000 pounds. The fees collected from the permits will be used to administer the program, including a Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Officer.
   A map of the proposed routes can be found here.