30 Jun State Route 84 Truck Restriction Study (City of Fremont)
An Initial Study was prepared for the City of Fremont to examine the potential restriction of large trucks on Niles Canyon Road (State Route 84). This route carries about 14,000 vehicles per day, of which seven percent are large trucks with three axles or more. It was thought that a restriction on large trucks would reduce the collision rate and improve safety along this scenic state highway. Among the key elements of the study were the percentage of trucks that use Niles Canyon Road, the collision rate and predominant causes, and the potential concerns with re-routing of trucks away from Niles Canyon Road. At the time of the study, Caltrans was finalizing design plans that were also intended to improve safety along the roadway. The Initial Study determined that the volume of collisions involving large trucks on Niles Canyon Road is proportional to the volume of large trucks on the road. Further, the study found that if trucks are restricted on Niles Canyon Road, the most likely alternative route would pass by schools and other sensitive land uses. After reviewing the results of the W-Trans study, the City of Fremont decided not to proceed with the truck restriction, and to work with Caltrans and FHWA on a revised Niles Canyon improvement plan.