A report was issued from the Pennsylvania Statewide Freight Model that indicates that truck traffic on Interstate 81 in Central Pennsylvania will increase by 50% by 2040. Kevin Cole of the Interstate 81 Coalition, believes that truck traffic in this region with double by 2025.
“Purportedly 12 percent of U.S. economy travels on I-81 today,” Cole said. “We’re expecting that traffic to come regardless of what the impact of the canal is or isn’t. Moving stuff over to rail will only slow the increase. There’s not enough capacity, trains or track to reduce the number of units on the road.”
I can already see a significant increase in truck traffic along South Central Pennsylvania segments of Interstate 81 over just a 10 to 15 year time frame. I grew up in Chambersburg and live in Shippensburg. The impact the Distribution Era has been profound. Chambersburg and Carlisle areas have seen astounding growth in warehouse and distribution centers along Interstate 81. Another new surge is coming to Shippensburg along Interstate 81 with the development of Procter & Gamble off Exit 24 and the coming Georgia Pacific distribution center off Exit 29. Those two distribution centers are expected to significantly increase truck traffic at the Shippensburg interstate exits.
Typically, these type of distribution centers also lead to an increase in work injuries. When we think of work injuries in a warehouse, the typical injuries that come to mind are lifting injuries and forklift accidents. We have already seen the first significant fork lift accident at Procter & Gamble. However, we also see injuries involving truck drivers. Many of these injuries are not auto accident related, but loading and unloading accidents, falling of backs of trucks, product falling in the trailers of the truck, and slip and falls outside the ruck. Let’s hope these new facilities will stress safety and training to avoid devastating work injuries.
If you have been hurt at work at a distribution center or as a truck driver, know your rights. Workers compensation rights are extremely valuable and important. A FREE consultation with Mooney & Associates can get you protected and give you piece of mind. Call out toll free number at 1-877-632-4656 or our local Chambersburg number at 717-263-9215. We stand ready to fight for and protect your workers compensation benefits.
