TITLE
Recommendation to adopt resolution designating Pier A Way and
Pier B Street as overweight vehicle routes. (District 1)
DISCUSSION
The Department of Public Works has received a request from the Harbor Department to designate Pier A Way and Pier B Street as overweight vehicle routes. The proposed resolution will allow access to Pier A and Pier B by trucks with overweight vehicle permits, in accordance with Section 10.41.030 of the Long Beach Municipal Code. A map showing the current overweight vehicle routes and proposed additions is attached as Exhibit A.
In accordance with Division 15, Section 35700.5 of the California Vehicle Code, the City of Long Beach has adopted an ordinance allowing trucks, up to a maximum weight of 95,000 pounds, to travel on certain roads in the Harbor District and industrial areas north of the Harbor District by special permit. This ordinance was enacted to permit heavy freight to be unloaded at the Port and transported to local warehouses and businesses where it could be processed and reorganized into smaller loads that can legally travel on the roadway system. In 2009, the City Traffic Engineer issued permits for 120 trucks with 14 companies to haul overweight containers. Primary commodities transported by these trucks include paper products, frozen food, consumable liquids, stone, and other building materials.
Section 10.41 of the Long Beach Municipal Code establishes the specific streets within the City and the Harbor District designated as overweight vehicle routes. Routes are approved by City Council and those within the Harbor District, are jointly approved by the Board of Harbor Commissioners and the City Council. In accordance with state law, the City Council establishes fees and regulations for the permits, which are issued by the City Traffic Engineer. The Board of Harbor Commissioners adopted Resolution HD-2558, approving the new overweight route designations on May 3, 2010, which is attached as Exhibit B.
Parts of Pier A Way are in the City of Los Angeles, but within the Harbor District. The Los Angeles City Council has granted (City Council File #99-99041) the City of Long Beach the authority to apply the California Vehicle Code and establish traffic regulations on Pier A Way within the Harbor District.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Amy Burton on June 22, 2010, and by Budget Management Officer Victoria Bell on June 23, 2010.
SUSTAINABILITY
The Department of Public Works has the discretionary authority to issue special permits for the movement of vehicles/loads exceeding statutory limitations on the size, weight and loading of vehicles regulated by Division 15 of the California Vehicle Code. Providing such special permits allows for the efficient transport of goods in fewer, trucks reducing particulate matter and promoting business within the City.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action on this matter is requested by August 3, 2010 in order to complete permit modifications prior to the 2011 permit renewal process that begins in November of this year.
FISCAL IMPACT
There are no direct financial implications or job impacts for the City related to this proposed action.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
BODY
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LONG BEACH DESIGNATING PIER A WAY AND PIER B STREET AS OVERWEIGHT VEHICLE ROUTES.
Respectfully Submitted,
MICHAEL P. CONWAY
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER