Trucking news and briefs for Wednesday, March 27, 2024:
City of Baltimore updates recommended truck routes
Baltimore has updated its official truck routes map as a result of the Francis Scott Key Bridge's collapse. See the most up-to-date routes map here.Baltimore City DOT
To minimize impacts on city streets, the Baltimore City Department of Transportation has been working closely with local, state and federal partners since the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge yesterday morning.
The department said it’s actively evaluating the projected impact of the bridge collapse on city corridors, particularly its designated truck routes. Higher traffic volumes on city roads are anticipated, particularly along designated truck route corridors.
In order to minimize impacts, the department has modified its official truck map, which details how truck drivers may use Baltimore City roads and highways. The city asks that truckers refer to the GIS map for the most up-to-date route information: Baltimore City Official Truck Routes. Truckers are encouraged to continue checking this official map in the coming days as additional modifications may be made.
Additionally, the Maryland DOT State Highway Administration and Maryland Transportation Authority have shifted the outer loop I-695 closure since it began Tuesday. The closure has moved to exit 1/Quarantine Road (past the Curtis Creek Drawbridge) to allow for enhanced local traffic access. The outer loop was previously closed at Maryland 10 (exit 2). The inner loop of I-695 remains closed at MD 157 (Peninsula Expressway). Additionally, the ramp from MD 157 to the inner loop of I-695 will be closed.
As a reminder, commercial vehicles carrying oversize cargo or hazmat, including recreational vehicles carrying propane, should plan on using Western sections of I-695 (Baltimore Beltway) between Essex and Glen Burnie, which will add significant driving time, Maryland DOT said.
[Related: I-695 Francis Scott Key Bridge collapses in Baltimore: Alternate routes, more]
SiriusXM’s Dave Nemo announces retirement plans
Dave Nemo will officially be retiring from his radio show at the end of May 2025, but said he plans “an active retirement.”
After more than 50 years keeping truck drivers entertained with music, news and plenty good humor, radio personality Dave Nemo is retiring from his full-time duties as host of The Dave Nemo Show on SiriusXM’s Road Dog Channel 146.
While he will continue to lend his name, expertise, and voice to the broadcast, Nemo is stepping back to play percussion, travel, and in his own words, “Do what I wanna do when I wanna to do it.”
The radio legend will spend this coming year not only continuing to host his show but also increasing his travel schedule to thank his many friends throughout the industry. Calling these appearances “The Last Ride of The Road Gang,” RadioNemo of North America will be celebrating the career of the namesake cofounder with parties, live broadcasts, and special events.
“The Last Ride of The Road Gang” got underway at the Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, where Nemo made the official announcement from the SiriusXM broadcast booth on March 23.
Moving forward, “The Dave Nemo Show” will continue with Nemo lending support not only to his trusted colleagues Jimmy Mac, Lindsay Lawler, and Tim Ridley, but also to the many contributors to the program. The show can continue to be heard weekdays on SiriusXM Road Dog Trucking from 7-11 a.m. Eastern.
[Related: Faces of the Road: Dave Nemo on history at 50 years in trucking radio]
Trucker recognized for helping woman lying in middle of interstate
The Truckload Carriers Association has named truck driver Chuck Davis from Garden City, Missouri, a TCA Highway Angel for stopping to help a woman in a fetal position on the interstate in the middle of the night. Davis works for ABF Freight out of Ft. Smith, Arkansas.
Chuck Davis
“I thought, I really need to block the road,” he said. “I think I was the first one there -- it had just happened.”
Davis stopped his truck so it protected the area where the woman was on the road, put his flashers on and got out to assist the woman. He noticed a car and truck off the side of the road.
A young man the woman called “son” was trying to help her up, and she appeared to be intoxicated, Davis said. She got up and her face and parts of her body were visually swollen.
The young man departed in the car, as did the driver of the truck off the side of the road, leaving Davis with the woman sitting on the guardrail waiting for police to arrive. When emergency personnel arrived, they thanked Davis and dismissed him.
“There were a lot of unanswered questions there,” said Davis, who has been a truck driver for 43 years. “But I thought about the situation and how I reacted. I’m glad I did what I did.”
[Related: Three Highway Angels of the Year crowned]
