Inland Empire Truck Drivers to Follow New Routes Under AB 98

Truck drivers traveling through the Inland Empire will soon have to follow specific routes as elected officials prepare a plan that aims to minimize traffic and pollution.

Under Assembly Bill (AB) 98, warehouse concentration regions, including Riverside and San Bernardino counties with high logistics and industrial activity, official truck-route maps should be updated while requiring trucks to use designated freight corridors.

AB 98 requires trucks to travel through major roads, rather than smaller, narrower neighborhood streets in residential zones.

The bill will go into effect on Jan. 1, giving drivers and local authorities time to adjust to the new routing requirements.

San Bernardino County is focused on valley communities, such as Fontana, to lessen traffic and bump up public safety.

Those who live and work in the Inland Empire neighborhoods have complained about the downside of having trucks and large vehicles travel through their region.

“The streets are damaged, and the potholes get bigger,” said Angelique Rageasingh.

“We need them. I’m not saying (we should) get rid of them, but we need them,” said Frank Ramirez, who owns Rock Solid Nutrition in the IE.

Michael Hales, a truck driver with over 48 years of experience, said he often faces frustrated people as he delivers goods across the country.

“It’s the turns. The roads are narrow, and the people are disrespectful. No courtesy for the trucks,” Hales said. “It’s like we’re an inconvenience for them.”

“Everything you have and consume comes in a truck in some way or form,” added Anthony McDonald, another truck driver.

Truck drivers said they hope the new routes will include areas to park and have food and lodging accessibility to keep making their deliveries as fast as possible.

NBCLA reached out to San Bernardino County about how SB 98 will be enforced but did not get a response.

The public was encouraged to speak up during the San Bernardo County Board of Supervisors meeting next Tuesday when officials were set to finalize the plan.

Community response to the upcoming changes has been mixed, with some residents supporting the traffic reduction and others fearing increased congestion on major roads.

Stakeholders have highlighted the importance of clear communication and transparent enforcement to ensure the plan meets its intended goals.

The legislation also seeks to reduce environmental impact by channeling heavy trucks away from residential streets, potentially lowering emissions in the area.

Local officials emphasize that the new routing will improve safety for both drivers and residents by concentrating truck traffic on roads designed for higher volumes.

Economic implications of the new routes include potential changes in delivery times and costs for businesses that rely on freight transport.

The plan’s success will depend on collaboration between county agencies, trucking associations, and community groups to address logistical challenges.

Legal considerations surrounding AB 98 involve ensuring that updated maps comply with state transportation regulations and that enforcement mechanisms are clearly defined.

Transportation planners are reviewing the proposed corridors to confirm that infrastructure can handle increased truck volumes without compromising road integrity.

The upcoming public meeting offers an opportunity for residents and drivers to raise concerns and suggest modifications to the routing plan.

Officials have stated that they will consider public input before finalizing the route maps, aiming to balance traffic efficiency with community well‑being.

The implementation of AB 98 is expected to bring measurable changes in traffic patterns, potentially easing congestion on residential streets.

By concentrating freight traffic on major roads, the plan also aims to reduce noise and air pollution in neighborhoods that have reported increased truck activity.

The final version of the routing plan will be published after the public meeting, allowing all stakeholders to review the detailed map and associated guidelines.

In summary, the Inland Empire’s truck routing plan under AB 98 seeks to streamline freight movement while addressing resident concerns about road damage, safety, and environmental impact.