The impact of the changes in transportation is mixed; traffic has increased in certain areas and decreased in some others; around 90% of traffic is in west Washington, but infrastructural impairment is major at eastern and central zones.
The closure of several ramps reduced truck traffic in those areas, making loads running over longer distances on roads with higher load capacities; thus also decreasing the rail inter-modal trucks flow on public roads.
New technologies in lift devices and computerized terminals were installed; now traffic is highly influenced by the big gateways, and fewer miles on public roads are moved by piggyback devices.
As a consequence of the changes in transportation, the health care association have expanded volunteer driver programs, making volunteer drivers receive mileage reimbursement, requisite training and support to their workforce as an aid to offset maintenance costs.
