7 www.ortrucking.org Issue 1 | 2024 ODOT and Oregon State University, has nearly completed a study on the effects and challenges of roundabouts on trucks. ` Truck parking. OTA provided letters of support to ODOT to help secure a federal grant that will help with the issue of truck parking. The grant funding will go toward a new joint Regional Truck Parking Information Management System that will deploy real-time truck parking information system at 54 truck parking areas along I-5 through Oregon, Washington, and California. It won’t have a huge impact, considering the breadth of the problem, but will certainly help. ` Temporary highway restrictions. We all know construction and maintenance of Oregon highways is vital to the freight industry. We are fortunate in Oregon that the OTA has a seat at the table through our involvement in various ODOT committees, allowing us to provide input on how these restrictions can affect freight as well as suggestions to better manage those restrictions. With an increasing population and a growing economy, the demand for goods transportation has surged, putting a strain on the state’s highways and bridges. Aging infrastructure, coupled with the need for modernization and expansion, poses a significant challenge to the efficient movement of freight. This, coupled with competition with other non-freight interests, is increasing the challenges the trucking industry faces. Finally, as always, I must stress the importance of being involved. Member involvement, no matter how much, is critical to helping watch out for, evaluate, and respond to these ever-increasing challenges.
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