Steps include strict routes for big rigs, improved safety, parking limits

Oakland, Calif. - A 5-year plan to make truck traffic less annoying moved closer to adoption at the Port of Oakland last night.  The Port’s governing board endorsed the West Oakland Truck Management Plan addressing everything from big rig thoroughfares to parking in neighborhoods. 

It’s now up to the Executive Director of the Port and the Oakland City Administrator to give final approval to the plan.  The Port and City say the plan is intended to reduce the nuisance of trucks driving or parking where they shouldn’t.

“It’s our responsibility to be a good neighbor in Oakland,” said Port of Oakland Environmental Planner Andrea Gardner, who helped develop the Truck Management Plan. “With this plan, we’re keeping our promise to minimize the impact of containerized cargo transportation in Oakland.”

Developed jointly by the City and the Port, the plan targets thousands of big rigs hauling containers at the Port, as well as trucks that will serve new buildings on city property under development at a former Oakland Army Base near the Port.  The plan would guide where trucks access the Port, adjacent freeways or nearby businesses.  The plan would propose strict limits on parking trucks in commercial and industrial areas that are close to residential neighborhoods. 

The Port is budgeting $2.35 million over five years for its role in implementing the plan.  Additional funds would come from developers of the City’s portion of the former Oakland Army Base.

The Truck Management Plan is considered especially important for West Oakland residents who are among the Port’s closest neighbors.  The Port and City conducted five community workshops in West Oakland over 18 months to develop the plan. 

“We listened closely to the West Oakland community to understand their concerns about truck traffic,” said City of Oakland Planner Patricia McGowan.  “Then we collaborated with them to shape a plan that addresses those concerns.”

The plan proposes 10 strategies to be implemented over five years.  Among them:

  • Improving safety at key West Oakland intersections near the Port
  • Updating designated truck routes and improving signage
  • Tighter parking enforcement including a potential increase in fines

 “The plan is intended to improve the quality of life for people living and working in West Oakland,” said Ms. Gardner.