The Montana Department of Transportation has commenced a project to reconstruct multiple rest areas located on both the east and west sides of Interstate 90, in close proximity to Billings. The construction initiative, which began in May and involves a collaborative effort between Dick Anderson Construction, WGM Group, and CWG Architecture, has made significant progress since its inception. By July, the construction team had successfully erected several structures, sidewalks, and curbs that will serve as components of the forthcoming rest area.
However, the construction timeline has encountered delays owing to material shortages and adverse weather conditions. Despite this setback, the project is moving forward, with a focus on a notable expansion of truck parking spaces. The plan outlines the allocation of more than 28 spaces for trucks and over 21 spaces for cars, encompassing enhanced lighting fixtures, video surveillance systems, and improved ingress and egress points for heightened safety measures. Furthermore, the redesigned rest area will integrate a modern weigh station facility, facilitating safety inspections and weight assessments for commercial vehicles by motor vehicle operators and state highway patrol officers. With Interstate 90 serving as a critical artery for freight transportation within the state, the revamped rest area plays a crucial role in supporting Montana's robust commercial activity. Notably, trucks convey approximately $51 billion worth of goods across Montana annually, underscoring the significance of this infrastructure project in bolstering the state's economic vitality.
Volvo Trucks is currently working diligently on enhancing the range of its battery-electric trucks, with plans to increase the maximum distance to approximately 372 miles. Presently, the Volvo FH Electric model boasts a maximum range of up to 300 miles, but the company aims to unveil an updated version in the second half of 2025. Roger Alm, President of Volvo Trucks, highlighted that the improved model will provide hauliers with the ability to travel throughout the workday without the need for frequent recharging, ultimately contributing to a significant reduction in carbon dioxide emissions.
This advancement in range was achieved through the implementation of a new e-axle, which substantially enhances the battery capacity. Furthermore, the trucks will feature more efficient batteries to support it's extended range capabilities. Manufacturing of these upgraded vehicles will take place at Volvo's facilities in Sweden and Belgium.
Ollie's, the largest retailer, recently expanded its operations with the opening of a new distribution center in Princeton, Illinois on August 21. With a focus on efficiency and sustainability, the new 615,000 square foot facility is expected to save the company approximately 1.2 million truck miles per year. This strategic investment, which cost over $75 million, will enable Ollie's to better serve its customers by reducing the average distance to its stores from over 600 miles to just over 200 miles. Situated in a prime location with easy access to I-80, the new distribution center in Princeton will allow Ollie's to efficiently reach major cities in the Midwest such as Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis. The facility will service more than 150 stores across nine states and is equipped with state-of-the-art automated equipment tailored for wholesale distribution operations.
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Founded in 1982 in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, Ollie's has experienced rapid growth in recent years, opening over 50 stores across multiple states in the past year alone. With a total of 525 locations now operating in 31 states, Ollie's continues to expand its footprint and enhance its supply chain capabilities to meet the demands of its growing customer base.
The Michigan Department of Transportation announced that starting on September 29th, hazmat traffic restrictions across Detroit's Ambassador Bridge will be lifted. These restrictions were initially implemented in 2014, but in 2020, Detroit International Bridge Co. requested a reconsideration of the restrictions. The 1.5-mile-long Ambassador Bridge, one of two privately owned border crossings in Michigan, is a vital link between Detroit and Windsor, Ontario. Following a study on the transportation of non-radioactive hazmat materials, various stakeholders including business owners, members of the public, and government officials advocated for the lifting of these restrictions. This move will enhance the supply chain in a critical trade corridor and decrease the truck miles traveled by vehicles carrying Class 3 and Class 8 hazardous materials.
Border Trade Alliance President Britton Mullen highlighted the significance of this decision, noting that it will reduce truck miles traveled on Michigan roads by 250,000, alleviate truck wear and tear, and enhance the state's economic competitiveness. Trucks transporting Class 3 and Class 8 materials (flammable liquids and corrosive substances) will now be redirected from the Blue Water Bridge near Port Huron to the Ambassador Bridge. To guarantee safety, the bridge has been equipped with special fire suppression systems, and the transport of hazardous materials will occur exclusively during non-peak hours.
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