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City, Port of Oakland work with neighbors to get trucks on track

New plan due in 2018 would address trucking in West Oakland

Press Releases, Seaport, Community
November 2nd, 2017

Oakland, Calif. – Nov. 2, 2017: City and Port of Oakland officials are meeting with neighbors to hear concerns about big rig traffic on streets in West Oakland.  The agencies say they anticipate a new West Oakland Truck Management Plan by the fall of 2018 that will address trucking problems in the area. The goal: steer heavy truck traffic away from West Oakland residences bordering the Port.

“This will be a plan that relies on community input to address truck circulation and parking,” said Patricia McGowan, Senior Planner for the City of Oakland Planning and Building Department.  “We want trucks to be less disruptive by controlling where they drive and park.”

Officials spoke last month at the first of five community workshops in West Oakland to be conducted by the City and Port.  About 100 people attended to provide their views on diesel-powered semis hauling cargo containers near their homes and businesses.  Among the concerns:

  • Safety;
  • Lack of truck route signs;
  • Diesel exhaust; and
  • Big rigs parked overnight in residential neighborhoods.

About 3,000 trucks daily transport containers in Oakland, said Richard Sinkoff, the Port’s Environmental Programs and Planning Director.  Most of that traffic sticks to Port roads or nearby freeways, he said.  But truckers in search of fuel, food or repairs, sometimes detour through nearby West Oakland.

The City designated truck routes around the area in 2005, said Ms. McGowan.  But not every driver stays on track, she pointed out.  The new plan will specify where trucks can drive and park.  It will also strengthen enforcement of truck restrictions.

The City and Port are conducting workshops to find out what else needs to be in the plan.  “That’s why we are holding the public meetings and encouraging public input,” said Ms. McGowan.  “We want the community to come together with the City and the Port to develop a plan that addresses their concerns.”

The City and Port said they are already taking steps to steer freight-haulers away from residential neighborhoods.  Truck service centers are planned at the Port and at an adjacent City development so that drivers won’t have to venture into West Oakland for fuel, food and other services. Overnight truck parking spaces are being added, too.

About the Port of Oakland
The Port of Oakland oversees the Oakland seaport, Oakland International Airport, and 20 miles of waterfront including Jack London Square. Together with its business partners, the Port supports more than 73,000 jobs in the region and nearly 827,000 jobs across the United States. Connect with the Port of Oakland and Oakland International Airport through Facebook, or with the Port on Twitter, YouTube, and at www.portofoakland.com.

Media Contacts:
Mike Zampa
Communications Director
Port of Oakland
(510) 627-1565
[email protected]

Marilyn Sandifur
Port Spokesperson
Port of Oakland
(510) 627-1193
Click here to contact Marilyn Sandifur