The Washington State Department of Transportation released a report on how road conditions, maintenance and operations affect the state's economy.


Results of surveys from the trucking industry and freight-dependent sectors showed that last winter's I-5 and I-90 road closures cost freight-dependent businesses nearly $75 million. More than $47 million of the total loss is attributable to the I-5 closure, with almost $28 million attributable to the I-90 closure. The closures were the result of severe weather that overwhelmed the roadways and disrupted freight and passenger movements across the state and West Coast.

WSDOT had unplanned costs of repairing road damage and clearing snow. Winter operations were $9.1 million over the anticipated budget for 2007-2008 at $40.3 million total, a 12 percent increase over 2006-2007. The I-5 closure caused approximately $18 million in damage to the state highway.

WSDOT used 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

More info: www.wsdot.wa.gov/freight/trucking