Truck ban on ’Crest moves to Senate

Assembly Bill 1361 passed late last week the California House and is now waiting to be heard in the California State Senate Transportation Committee. On May 21, the bill was approved in the House by a 73-0 vote.

The bill, co-sponsored by Assemblymember Anthony Portantino and Senator Carol Liu, seeks to ban trucks along Angeles Crest Highway between Big Pines Highway and the Foothill (210) freeway that are three or more axils or 10,000 pounds. It will place a minimum fine of $1,000 on any individual found violating the law. At present there is a 90-day restriction of five-axel trucks along the highway. The temporary restriction is set to end on July 4, Portantino’s office is hopeful the bill will be heard and approved by then.

The bill was first introduced in early April after the tragic big rig accident on Angeles Crest and Foothill Boulevard. The driver of the truck had traveled over the ’Crest, lost his brakes and ran into several vehicles. Angel Jorge Posca and his 12-year-old daughter were killed and many were injured. The big rig came to rest in the Flintridge Bookstore and Coffee Shop. Immediately following the accident, government and law enforcement officials began working on ways to stop this tragedy from happening again.

“With AB 1361, our goal is to make the Angeles Crest Highway safe. The ban and fines are necessary to prevent another accident due to a runaway truck,” Portantino said in a prepared statement. “I appreciate the bi-partisan support my colleagues have given this important legislation and I look forward to working with Senator Liu toward a similar outcome in the Senate.”

In addition to the temporary restriction, Caltrans began last week to repair and rebuild the truck arresters along Angeles Crest. The project will restore the truck arresters to their original function, according to Caltrans. The project is scheduled to be completed by early June.

The bill is expected to be heard in the Senate sometime within the next few weeks. At this point there has not been any oppositions and Portantino’s office hopes for a quick discussion and approval of the bill before the temporary restriction ends.