Washington winter freeway closures cost truckers $75 million
Washington Transportation Department surveys found a $47 million loss to trucking from the four-day closure of I-5 at Centralia because of Chehalis River flooding and a $28 million loss from four days of winter closures on Snoqualmie Pass.
The Associated Press
10/23/2008
OLYMPIA — The state Transportation Department says the closures of Interstate 5 and Interstate 90 in severe weather last winter cost the freight trucking industry $75 million.
Department surveys found a $47 million loss from the four-day closure of I-5 at Centralia because of Chehalis River flooding and a $28 million loss from four days of winter closures on Snoqualmie Pass.
“WSDOT is to be commended for its focus on freight” said Larry Pursley, Executive Vice President, Washington Trucking Associations. “The department keeps the trucking industry informed about current and upcoming road closures and is better prepared for freight issues during major disruptions.”
The department said it is using the study findings to develop additional strategies to respond quickly during future disruptions. Highlights of recommendations moving forward:
- Provide more state support and investment for road maintenance
- Improve truck parking to provide truck drivers safe and legal places to park
- Address the Chehalis River Basin Flood Control Program
- Determine use of detour routes to I-5
- Build the I-90 Snoqualmie Pass East Project
- Continue to improve communication with the truck and freight industry