Week of August 10, 2009

Hybrid trucks continue to pack a punch

The vehicles in King County’s growing fleet of hybrid trucks are big and brawny. But when it comes to fuel consumption, they sip rather than guzzle.

“We’re easily seeing a 30 percent fuel savings with the new hybrid trucks,” said Fleet Equipment Manager Bob Toppen. “They have been performing at or above our expectations in all areas.”

There are currently three hybrid trucks in use, and Toppen says the division is in the process of ordering two more to be delivered next spring. Right now, there are two lift trucks and a vehicle carrier big enough to haul two vehicles at once.

Toppen said all three are constantly in use. Crews like them because they are quieter, put out fewer emissions, and can stay out on the road longer between fueling. The mechanics back in the shop like them because they use less fuel, have reduced maintenance needs with less wear and tear on the engine. They are also saving the county money, because they can perform more jobs than the older trucks they replaced.

The trucks the Fleet Division is currently ordering are a mobile lube truck and another lift vehicle. Toppen is especially excited about the lube truck because it is so versatile, and will be able replace both an older lube truck and a fuel truck.

He said staff operating the new truck will be able to change oil and transmission fluid on other vehicles in the field, lube chassis, change/inflate tires, and top off fuel tanks using the hybrid battery to run an air compressor.

“Even with the addition of a fuel tank, it will still be a mid-sized truck and very efficient to run,” said Toppen. “Mechanics will be able to do all of these functions even when the truck’s engine is off. We’ll use compressed air to push fluids through the hoses in a way that requires less air, which means the hybrid battery will stay charged longer.”

Toppen said there are some large utility companies on the East Coast that have more hybrid lift trucks than King County, but he’s not aware of any government agency that has such a diverse hybrid fleet.

He said manufacturers of service trucks are getting more comfortable with the technology, and are starting to make larger and more customized vehicles. They frequently contact King County for feedback and ideas.

“Manufacturers love us and bend over backwards to work with us, because we are on the leading edge,” he said. “In the future, I’d love to work with them to build a hybrid snow plow.”

With the way hybrid technology is evolving, Toppen might not have to wait long for that dream-truck to arrive.

South Park Bridge closed Saturday, Aug. 29

The King County Road Services Division will close the South Park Bridge over the Duwamish River on 14th/16th Avenue South this Saturday, Aug. 29 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. for repairs. The bridge will be closed to vehicle and pedestrian traffic over the bridge and to large marine vessels on the water.

In recent years, the 80-year-old drawbridge has become more difficult to operate due to long-term movement of the bridge piers. During the closure, crews will be working to realign the two sides of the drawbridge for smoother opening and closing. Motorists can detour via the First Avenue South Bridge.

Studies of the South Park Bridge show that the condition of the span is severely deteriorated and was made worse during the 2001 Nisqually Earthquake. King County is expected to complete the Environmental Impact Statement process shortly.  Design of the new bridge will be completed later this year.  The crossing is used by approximately 20,000 vehicles a day, and has a moveable span that opens to accommodate large marine vessels on the river.

Seahawks & Mariners games could disrupt traffic next week

Two ballgames could bring a lot of traffic – and congestion – to downtown Seattle next week.

The Mariners will have a day game on Wednesday, Sept. 2 against the Angels. The game starts at 3:40 p.m., and could result in traffic congestion when it is over. Also, bus passengers who are traveling through the downtown area in the early evening on Wednesday may experience some delays in transit service.

Then on Thursday, Sept. 3 at 7 p.m., the Seahawks have a home football game against the Oakland Raiders. The game will probably attract more than 60,000 fans, and many will arrive early which could slow down the afternoon commute in downtown and the SODO area.

Fans using Metro Transit service to and from the games are reminded there is no special service to Safeco Field or Qwest Field. But, there is plenty of regular Metro bus service in the area. Use the online Trip Planner to plan trips both before and after the game. Also, there will be extended hours for the King County Water Taxi on Sept. 3 to help Seahawks fans get home to West Seattle.