Thursday, August 05, 2010

Tideflats Area Transportation Study

The Port of Tacoma has established a webpage for the Tideflats Area Transportation Study.

The Tideflats Area Transportation Study will identify future transportation needs for the growth of freight-related traffic to and from the Tacoma Tideflats area.  The study will analyze existing transportation conditions and identify roads to be examined for potential improvement to keep freight moving.

Tuesday, August 03, 2010

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Governor seeks feedback on budget plans

The Live Wire blog of the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber reports that Governor Gregoire and the Washington State Office of Financial Management will be conducting four executive budget hearings to share information on the budget and receive feedback from residents and businesses around the state.


Read more at: http://tacomachamber.blogspot.com/

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Partnership Creates More Access to Puyallup Sounder Station

Through an innovative partnership with the City of Puyallup and the Puyallup Fair and Events Center, Sound Transit is responding to the high demand for additional parking at the Puyallup Sounder station. The project creates a permanent 219-space park-and-ride lot by improving the Fair’s existing Red Lot, just minutes away from the Sounder station. Pierce Transit Route 495 will be timed to connect commuters to and from the train.

Join the project partners for the ground breaking. Monday, May 17, 11 a.m., Puyallup Fair's Red Lot: 5th St. SW and 7th Ave SW RSVP to events@soundtransit.org

With construction lasting only about three months, the lot will open for Puyallup Fair attendees this September and will be available to Sounder commuters beginning in October. Improvements include grading and paving the lot, plus adding drainage, landscaping, and replacement lighting. As part of Sound Transit’s commitment to using low-impact development techniques, the project incorporates a unique rain garden – or combination of soil and plant types -- that will collect water runoff from paved surfaces, serving as a natural stormwater management tool.

Project funding
The project’s $2.8 million budget will be covered by a combination of grant money and Sound Transit funds. Along with $250,000 in matching funds from Sound Transit’s budget, the project received a $1.85 million Regional Mobility Grant from the State of Washington. In addition, the City of Puyallup secured a $772,000 grant from the Federal Transit Administration, USDOT.

For more information, visit www.soundtransit.org/puyallupparking

Friday, April 16, 2010

Construction Impacts Just Ahead

During the period of April 16th to April 23rd there will be construction and possible lane closures on freight routes including I-5; I-405; I-90; SR-16; SR-99; SR-167; SR-518; SR-519; SR-522; and others. Please check the following sites for the construction schedule updates and planned closure information:

King County
Snohomish County
Whatcom/Skagit/Island Counties
Pierce County

For construction in the Tacoma Area, go here.

For additional information on roads in other counties, please visit here. 
Construction for Thurston, and Kitsap Counties.

Monday, April 12, 2010

How did Pierce County fair in the state transportation budget?

The 2010 state transportation budget is a supplemental to the 2009-2011 biennial budget. It appropriates funding for the biennium only. There are few major changes or new projects in the 2010 budget compared to the biennial budget adopted in 2009. Any changes are generally modest adjustments to the spending plan.

The note worthy additions for Pierce County include:
- Funding for a new signal light at SR 702 and Mountain Highway
- Intersection improvements at Thorne Lane and Perimeter Road
- ARRA funds for high speed rail

Most columns in this summary of funded project in Pierce County represent an updated expenditure plan, not an actual appropriation.

Ramps to link SR 509 to Foss Peninsula

A presentation presented at last week’s RAMP meeting illustrates preliminary plans to better connect SR 509 to “D” Street on the Foss Peninsula. The proposal, a partnership between the Puyallup Tribe, BNSF, SSA Marine and the City of Tacoma would improve freight access to BNSF’s main rail yard.

The cost of the project is estimated to be $19 million. Construction could begin in late 2010 if all identified funds are secured.

Pierce County HOV lane construction planned through 2022

A series of HOV lane projects are planned for Pierce County through 2022. WSDOT’s Tacoma/Pierce County HOV Program builds 70 high-occupancy-vehicle (HOV) lane miles in seven separate construction projects that will help move traffic into and through Pierce County.

Currently, two projects are under construction
- Westbound Nalley Valley on SR 16
- Extension of HOV lanes on I-5 from the King/Pierce County line to Port of Tacoma Road

Future projects include:
- Eastbound Nalley Valley on SR 16
- Northbound I-5 Port of Tacoma Road to Portland Ave.
- Southbound I-5 Port of Tacoma Road to Portland Ave.
- I-5 Portland Ave. to M Street
- I-5/ SR 16 HOV Connectors


More information on each project is available in a recent presentation to RAMP and on the WSDOT website.

Thursday, April 08, 2010

Recovery Depends on Freight Infrastructure

The Washington State DOT Freight Systems Division has developed a document outlining Washington State's freight priorities.

The Washington State Freight Priorities folio defines how important Washington State's freight infrastructure is to the state economy; shows samples of statewide freight dependent businesses and how Washington’s distribution system is essential to local communities; and highlights priority statewide freight deficiency improvements and how they impact Washington manufacturers and farmers who rely on the transportation network to ship their products.


For more information on this document, or if you have questions, please contact freight@wsdot.wa.gov 

Monday, March 29, 2010

Air Cargo Compliance Deadline Nears

The Department of Homeland Security (Transportation Security Administration) will be conducting a Town Hall meeting  to discuss the 100% cargo screening law which will be fully implemented in August, and the Certified Cargo Screening Program’s (CCSP) role in complying with this mandate.

The meeting is on April 7th 9:00 A.M. - 12:30 P.M. at the Hilton Seattle Airport & Conference Center, 17620 International Boulevard, Seattle, WA‎ 98188.  Anyone is interested in attending,can register here. 


Remember, on August 1st, if cargo is not screened, it will not be transported by passenger aircraft!

If you interested in participating in the CCSP, but cannot attend the Seattle session, they are encouraged to contact Lon Siro, Regional Coordinator, Transportation Security Administration, 503-889-3074.

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Transportation 2040 goes for a vote

Transportation 2040 the 30-year regional action plan for transportation investments in central Puget Sound will be adopted by the Puget Sound Regional Council’s Executive Board this spring. In the next 30 years, the region is anticipated to grow by 1.5 million people, 393,000 in Pierce County.

Over time this growth will significantly impact demand on our region’s highways and transit systems. Transportation 2040 attempts to strategically plan for future transportation investments based on the anticipated demand, while considering environmental impacts, monitoring and how to pay for the capital and on-going costs of infrastructure.

Historically, stakeholders in Pierce County have been particularly concerned with insuring equitable geographic distribution of transportation dollars and strategic roadway and transit investments that aid the growth of economic opportunities in Pierce County. These stakeholders (all active RAMP participants) include Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber, Pierce County, Port of Tacoma, City of Tacoma and the EDB have commented on the draft Transportation 2040 plan.

The comments of these stakeholders are diverse and illustrate some of the competing perspectives of how development patterns should be influenced to best grow the Pierce County economy in the coming decades. Correspondingly, some stakeholders diverge on how and where to fund transit investments. Given that much of Pierce County has relatively sprawling land uses, where transit investments are less efficient, stakeholders with more auto-oriented constituent groups are, not surprisingly, more concerned with making roadway investments than those who serve urban population centers.

Next Steps:
March 19th Release of Final Environmental Impact Statement
March 25th PSRC Executive Board Recommendation
May 20th PSRC General Assembly Action

Friday, March 12, 2010

Pierce County comments on draft Transportation 2040

Collectively stakeholders in Pierce County continue to advocate in the Puget Sound Region for equitable geographic distribution of transportation dollars and strategic roadway and transit investments that aid the growth of economic opportunities in Pierce County.

Here are the comments on the draft Transportion 2040 plan from:

Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber

City of Tacoma

Pierce County

Economic Development Board of Pierce County

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Road improvements in Frederickson to close 176th St. E

Over the next three years, starting this summer, much of 176th Street E. in Frederickson will be under construction along with a nearby stretch of Canyon Road. The construction projects will result in considerable vehicle and pedestrian improvements including: widening roadways to add lanes, medians, sidewalks, street lights and traffic signals, as well as a new bridge over the railroad tracks just west of Canyon Road.

Once complete, the improvements will be a significant benefit to the community. However, in the meantime construction delays and road closures will be a major inconvenience to the traveling public. Residents and businesses should plan for the following road closures:

Late Summer 2010:
10-day road closure of 176th St E between 38th Ave E and 51st Ave E

Late Summer/Fall 2010:
4-week westbound lane closure of 176th St E between Waller Rd E and 36th Ave E

Spring/Summer 2011:
4-month road closure of 176th St E for new bridge construction


Pierce County is committed to completing the work as quickly and efficiently as possible. The County issued construction bonds to fund these projects simultaneously rather than spreading the work out over multiple years as separate projects, which would have created years of detours and delays rather than a few months of closures.

Residents and businesses should plan ahead for this construction as detour routes will add an average of 30 minutes to trips and upwards of an hour during peak commute time. This may be a good time to form a carpool, work a different shift, or telecommute. Avoiding the detour routes during the morning and afternoon rush will help save time and inconvenience.

For more information Read the project newsletter, visit the project website, or contact project manager, Ramiro Chavez, ramiro.chavez@co.pierce.wa.us, (253) 798-7041.

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Air Cargo Compliance Deadline Nears

A law requiring the screening of 100% of items transported on passenger aircraft will become effective this coming August. The deadline of August 1, 2010 is Congressionally mandated.

There are regional town hall meetings and monthly Webinars to provide information regarding the 100% cargo screening mandate (and the Certified Cargo Screening Program) and to answer questions from shippers and freight forwarders.

The Non-Sensitive Security Information (SSI) version of the TSA Air Cargo ScreeningTechnology List Version 2.0 has been posted online.

This list indicates the technologies that can be used by air carriers, indirect air carriers, independent cargo screening facilities, and shippers in the Certified Cargo Screening Program to screen for domestic and outbound (of the U.S.) air cargo.

The next free webinar of the series on Thursday, Feb. 25, at 1:00 p.m. EST, titled: “Is package integrity critical to your business?” features TSA’s Marc Rossi, Certified Cargo Screening (CCSP) Program Branch Chief and guest speaker Brad Elrod, Senior Manager of Global Logistics Security, Pfizer, Inc.

There will be a series of webinars occuring monthly through June. If you haven’t registered for one of the free webinars or road shows, please visit this site.  The next TSA Town Hall in Seattle will be April 7-8, 2010. Visit here to register.

Information regarding CCSP is now directly available via the TSA website. To access TSA’s CCSP, use this address.

For further information, you may contact Lon Siro, Regional Coordinator (PCSA)- Pacific Northwest and North Central Plains, Certified Cargo Screening Program.

Sunday, January 24, 2010

CV Pass System Developed

Keeping freight moving during major transportation disruptions is key to supporting the state’s economy and jobs, and to ensure that our citizens’ essential needs are met.

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has developed a new Commercial Vehicle (CV) Pass System intended to support freight movement by authorizing emergency, essential, and other goods delivery through affected areas during a highway disruption of two to seven days.


When will this system be used?

The state will activate the Commercial Vehicle Pass System when major freight highways are closed or severely restricted, and a limited- capacity detour is available nearby. CV passes will be issued on-line based on the highway detour’s capacity and the priority of goods carried, as determined by the State Emergency Management Division.

Where can I get more information?

More details about the CV Pass System, including the priority categories and the on-line application for a CV pass is available here.

Two test periods will be held, allowing shippers and trucking companies to become familiar with the on-line CV pass Web site. This is an opportunity to pre- register your company and identification number (truck license plate number), which could save you time during a transportation disruption.

The dates are:
January 25 – 29, 2010
February 22 – 26, 2010

Questions and comments about the new CV Pass System can be e-mailed to Jim Wright, WSDOT Permits Program Manager, at or by calling 360-704-6345 during regular business hours.

Friday, January 22, 2010

Draft T2040 Up for Comments

The Puget Sound Regional Council presents the draft Transportation 2040 plan for the central Puget Sound region.

The PSRC’s Transportation Policy Board has been guiding the development of the plan for the past three years. The new transportation plan addresses critical issues such as congestion and mobility, the environment, and transportation finance. It is a framework document that guides future regional decisions, presents the region’s vision to federal and state policymakers and paves the way for the implementation of key regional projects and programs for the next 30 years.

PSRC will provide a paper copy upon request. Written comments on the draft plan are encouraged, and may be submitted using the online comment form. Written comments are also accepted by fax, mail or email.

Fax: 206-464-4825 (Attn: Transportation 2040)

Mail:
Puget Sound Regional Council
ATTN: Transportation 2040
1011 Western Ave, Suite 500
Seattle, WA 98104

Email: transportation2040@psrc.org

PSRC would appreciate receiving written comments as early as possible. Comments received by March 9 will be summarized for consideration at the March 11, 2010 Transportation Policy Board meeting.

Public involvement remains a vital component of the process. During the coming weeks, PSRC staff will continue to reach out to member jurisdictions, countywide subarea groups, and other technical and policy committees to gather final comments on the draft plan. These comments will assist the PSRC policy boards in developing the Final Plan in March. Adoption of the final Transportation 2040 plan by the PSRC General Assembly is planned for May 2010.

Sunday, January 17, 2010

Carrying the Load

Friday, the Chamber filed its comments with the Puget Sound Regional Council in response to the draft of a Regional Freight Strategy.

Comments and feedback on the draft Regional Freight Strategy should be received by Friday, January 15 to ensure consideration in the final version that will be incorporated into the long range transportation plan, Transportation 2040, when it is adopted in spring of 2010. Contact person: Sean Ardussi, Senior Planner, Puget Sound Regional Council.

Thursday, January 07, 2010

Transport to the Airport

Tacoma won’t be getting a Link to the airport in the near future, but did you know Sound Transit currently runs excellent bus service between Lakewood or the Tacoma Dome and SeaTac twice an hour? Why inconvenience a family member or friend, when you can easily take a $2.50 ride to the airport that drops you off at a convenient location?

Transport to Seatac on a Sound Transit bus is ideal for business travel and a pleasant experience for those carrying few bags or small bags. Return travel is similarly easy, with buses leaving from Seatac (outside of baggage claim) at least twice an hour. Those traveling with especially large numbers of baggage should take note—there is no “underbus” storage, so large bags will be placed on seats.

For extensive details on Tacoma Dome to SeaTac bus travel, download the Green Business Travel between SeaTac Airport and Tacoma from Downtown: On the Go! document. The document covers in detail a round trip for business travel purposes. Feel free to distribute it broadly to fellow employees, friends, and family!

Questions? Contact Julia Petersen, Downtown: On the Go! (DOTG) Coordinator or check out the ST website.

Guest Author: Julia Petersen

Wednesday, January 06, 2010

Draft Freight Policy Up for Comments

This Friday, 9:00 a.m., PSRC Conference Room, the Regional Freight Mobility Roundtable will be holding a work session to seek input and feedback on the Draft Regional Freight Strategy.

If you are planning on attending the work session, please take some time to review the draft document available at this link prior to Friday’s meeting. There will be a limited number of full copies available for reference at the meeting.

Comments and feedback on the draft Regional Freight Strategy should be received by Friday, January 15 to ensure consideration in the final version that will be incorporated into the long range transportation plan, Transportation 2040, when it is adopted in spring of 2010.  Contact person:  Sean Ardussi, Senior Planner,
Puget Sound Regional Council.

Thursday, December 10, 2009

RAMP’s 2010 State Legislative Priorities

RAMP has developed a list of priorities for the 2010 State Legislature. RAMP’s complete brochure of legislative priorities is available on-line. Coalition partners are encouraged to promote these mutually beneficial projects during the upcoming legislative session.

Key priorities include:

Protect project funding as scheduled
All projects funded within Pierce County via the 2003 Nickel package, the 2005 Transportation Partnership package and the 2009 Recovery and Reinvestment Act must be completed as originally scheduled. Priority projects include:

· I-5 HOV lanes- Construct the funded portion of the I-5 HOV system from the King/Pierce County line to SR 512 and SR 16 to I-5
· SR 167- Complete right-of-way procurement for the full width of the SR 167 corridor including HOV lanes

Extend SR 167
Continue the progress on the SR 167 mega project by developing a comprehensive approach to fund the extension of SR 167 from Puyallup to SR 509 in Tacoma, similar to the process pursued for the SR 520 bridge replacement program.

Fund the second phase of the SR 167 tolling study. Incorporate conclusions from the first phase of the SR 167 tolling study to identify funds to fill the funding gap for design and construction of the extension.

Extend I-5 HOV lanes
· Update project scoping for the extension of the I-5 HOV lanes mega project from S. 38th St. to SR 512
· Begin preliminary project scoping for the extension of I-5 HOV lanes from SR 512 to the Pierce/Thurston County line. The addition of HOV lanes through this section of the I-5 corridor will help mitigate congestion related to Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

Extend SR 167 HOT lanes
Begin preliminary scoping to extend HOV/HOT lanes to the current terminus of SR 167 in Puyallup.

Improve Local Revenue Sources
Strengthen and expand appropriate revenue sources to meet local transportation needs.

Support Flood Prevention
Contribute to Pierce County flood prevention plans and implementation efforts to protect primary freight and commute routes.