Transport briefs: Imports, exports at NW ports post strong October

Full imports up 4 percent year-to-date at Northwest ports
I-5 ramp closures this week in Tacoma
Tacoma fuel prices down

Full load import and export volumes at the Port of Tacoma and Port of Seattle recorded the strongest for the month of October since 2012, according to the Northwest Seaport Alliance. Year to date, imports and exports for October continue to support a strong peak season for the NWSA, with an 11 percent increase and 16 percent increase, respectively.

To support this peak shipping season’s strong agricultural exports, the NWSA lengthened the extended gates program through Dec. 2. The main commodities moving through our gateway are hay, forest products, and fruits and vegetables.

Year-to-date, full imports are up 4 percent to 1,134,829 TEUs (20-foot equivalent units) and full exports increased 13 percent to 802,343 TEUs. The year’s total container volumes are essentially flat through October, down less than 1 percent to 2,963,157 TEUs.

While weak empty and domestic volumes continue to drag down overall container volume growth, domestic cargo tipped up in October with a 4.2 percent increase from the late run of seafood. Year-to-date, domestic volumes have been down as Alaska struggles with a decrease in oil- and gas-related project activity due to low commodity prices. The month’s overall domestic volume showed a modest increase, however, due to additional sailings related to a rise in demobilization of Alaska’s stock, equipment and gear away from the area.

– Northwest Seaport Alliance

Nighttime construction calls for Tacoma-area highway ramp closures

Overnight drivers who use Interstate 5 and other Tacoma-area highways can expect a series of ramp closures beginning Monday, Dec. 12.

In addition, work to expand HOV lanes into Tacoma will also require weeknight single- and double-lane closures in both directions of I-5 between L Street and Port of Tacoma Road.

Ramp closures

Northbound I-5 collector/distributor exits to Interstate 705 and State Route 7, 11 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 13, until 4 a.m. the following morning.

East 27th Street/Portland Avenue on-ramp to southbound I-5, 10 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 13, until 5 a.m. the following morning.

Southbound I-705 on-ramp to northbound I-5, 11 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, Dec. 12-14, until 4 a.m. each following morning; 11:59 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 15, until 4 a.m. the following morning; and 11:59 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16, until 5 a.m. the following morning.

Southbound I-5 exit to SR 7, 10 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, Dec. 12-14, until 6 a.m. each following morning; 11 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 15, until 6 a.m. the following morning; and 11:59 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16, until 6 a.m. the following morning.

Northbound I-5 exit to northbound State Route 167 (River Road), 11 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16, until 7 a.m. the following morning.

East 28th Street on-ramp to northbound I-5, 11:59 p.m. Friday, Dec. 16, until 6 a.m. the following morning.

– Washington State DOT

Tacoma fuel prices down over last week

Average retail gasoline prices in Tacoma have fallen 1.3 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $2.57 per gallon Sunday, Dec. 11, according to GasBuddy’s daily survey of 271 gas outlets in Tacoma. This compares with the national average that has increased 2.9 cents per gallon in the last week to $2.21, according to gasoline price website GasBuddy.com.

Including the change in gas prices in Tacoma during the past week, prices were 15.6 cents per gallon higher than the same day one year ago and are 9.9 cents per gallon lower than a month ago. The national average has increased 4.7 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 20.0 cents per gallon higher than this day one year ago.

According to GasBuddy historical data, gasoline prices on December 12 in Tacoma have ranged widely over the last five years, from $2.42 per gallon in 2015 to $3.44 per gallon in 2011.

– GasBuddy.com