Caltrans considering eliminating truck ban on I-580 in Oakland

The California Department of Transportation is considering eliminating the truck ban on I-580 in Oakland over pollution concerns. 

Currently, commercial trucks are banned on the stretch of Interstate 580 through Oakland, California, and San Leandro, California. This forces semi trucks to use nearby Interstate 880, which has increased pollution for residents along that route. Now, Caltrans is studying the potential effects of eliminating the truck ban on I-580.

According to ABC 7, People living along the I-880 corridor have higher exposure to pollution and have more frequent asthmatic health issues compared to people living along I-580. 

“I don’t think anyone should live with pollution. There’s billions of dollars being spent in California to reduce the pollution of trucks and the freight system, to get zero emission trucks. It’s not moving fast enough,” said Brian Beaveridge of the West Oakland Environmental Impacts Project.

Other residents in the area worry that allowing trucks on I-580 would worsen congestion on the interstate.

“I don’t know that our city currently has all of the means to address those concerns for our constituents,” said resident Rene Galvez.

Caltrans says the study determining the possible implications of removing the truck ban should be completed in 12 to 18 months.