Big Rigs and their Impact on the Local Community

Aug 27, 2015

If you drive I78, you know we are surrounded by big trucks. During any given month, you can come across a wreck with a tractor trailer in the area. Lehigh Valley roadways are inundated with big rigs, and the projected increase has some crying foul and begging for a solution. The Morning Call recently published an article about the massive amount of tractor trailers and the bittersweet results of their presence.

The Amount of Trucks will Increase

Matt Assad, reporter for The Morning Call, reports the planning commission released a report stating the total weight of hauled goods through the area will increase to more than 80 billion lbs., which is double what it was just four years ago.

The increase is the result of more than 90% of the goods moving out of the area, which is higher than the national average. The national average for the amount of goods shipped on a tractor trailer is only 70%. The 20% increase is due to the fact that consumers want their items sooner, usually the next day after purchase. This eliminates both rail and airplane travel.

What is the Upside?

Lehigh Valley is currently in the process of shifting from e-commerce to more manufacturing and distribution. What is the upside? More jobs for the locals, more revenue for the area, and a better overall quality of life for the citizens, sort of. Just 20 years ago, warehouses and distribution centers occupied only 12 million feet of space in the area, and now it is more than 40 million square feet, according to Assad.

What is the Downside?

Where are the facilities located? Route 22, I78, and Route 33, according to Assad, are the areas growing the fastest for warehouse and distribution. What that means for locals is the increased number of tractor trailers on the road. An increase means more congestion, limited living space, diminished air quality, and reduced affordable housing.

What is the Answer?

According to Assad, the planning commission agreed to establish a new Freight Movement Advisory Board to tackle the issues surrounding big rigs and their presence in the community. The board will make recommendations, and to consult with local industries and officials.