A flood of freight predicted to clog freeways in Southern California has spurred regional transportation officials to plan a truck-only east-west freeway between two major interstates, according to the Riverside Press-Enterprise.


The freeway, which is part of a 30-year regional transportation plan for the area, is intended to improve the movement of goods. Officials are considering the cargo highway between Interstate 710 in Commerce, Calif., and Interstate 15 in Ontario, Calif, adjacent to Highway 60.

The specifics of the route aren't finalized, but there are tentative plans for a four-lane causeway.

According to the Press-Enterprise's article, "40% of the goods coming into the country arrive at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, and that contributes mightily to the 13,000 trucks that on average cross from Los Angeles County into San Bernardino County along the 60 each day. The number of trucks is predicted to nearly double by 2035."

Between 25% and 40% of the trucks would be port-related, nearly 40% would serve local goods movement dependent industries, and the remainder would support domestic trade.

According to the Southern California Association of Governments, the truck freeway would relieve traffic on Highway 60 by as much as 85%.

There is also a heavy emphasis on the environment in the plan. In the future, the route could be strictly for zero-emission trucks that run on alternative fuels.

The freeway is estimated to cost more than $15 billion.

The project does face opposition from communities in the San Gabriel Valley, through which the freeway would run, and has for more than 10 years. Some regional officials say more research is needed before SCAG decides on the route along Highway 60. Others fear the route will only draw more trucks to the area.

"You are putting all the regional burden on this one corridor," David Liu, public works director for Diamond Bar, told the Press-Enterprise.

However, officials say the route that runs along Highway 60 is the most efficient path.

The comprehensive plan for the area can be found here.