2020 Truck Count Data

DAAC conducted a truck count study in 9 areas surrounding the Del Amo community in the fall of 2020. DAAC identified intersections that were of particular interest in understanding vehicle traffic and emissions in the community. Volunteers were trained to record data and use air quality monitoring devices.

These studies were performed during Fall 2020 on Weekdays (Tuesday-Thursday), with data collected from three intersections per day (one expected to have “light” truck traffic and one to two expected to have “heavy” truck traffic). Each intersection was surveyed for one day during the following three time periods: Morning (7:30 – 8:30am), Mid-Day (12:00 – 1:00 pm), and Evening (4:30 -5:30 pm). Each site performed 30 minute vehicle counts of the number of Buses (B), Medium-Duty Trucks (MDT), and Heavy-Duty Trucks (HDT) that passed through the intersection traveling in the direction specified on their survey form. Data from these counts were used to estimate the Total Trucks per Hour (calculated as B/hr + MDT/hr + HDT/hr) for each intersection at each of the surveyed time periods.

Counts in these areas are especially crucial because they help us understand the direct relationship between large vehicle traffic and the presence of particulates in the air that can be tied back to the burning of diesel fuel. Particulate matter from diesel fuel can affect a broad range of health concerns, from asthma and lung conditions to blood oxygen concerns and an increased risk of death from heart disease. For a community already concerned about the long-term impact of pollution from industrial sources and warehouses being built in the community, DAAC felt it was vital to assess the impact of truck emissions on Del Amo residents to establish a baseline for that area. Notably, this community had the second highest counts of our three study areas around Greater Los Angeles, highlighting the need for more robust policy interventions to limit vehicle emissions and improve air quality in the area.

Figure 5 maps the locations that were chosen for the truck counts and data about the numbers and types of vehicles that were observed. Sites were chosen that reflected heavy usage due to the presence of local industry and warehouses, as well as the presence of schools, parks, and the 405 and 110 Freeways. The daily maximum number of total trucks through each intersection are shown in results of the truck count study are depicted in Figure 6, with a summary of all of the Truck Count Analyses and examples of the types of Trucks included in the counts shown in Appendix D. Bilingual copies of the full truck count report were produced and shared with key stakeholders and community members (Lentz 2022).

Please view the full report here.

The data recorded in the truck count study will be an invaluable tool as DAAC works to shape community decision-making going forward. These results are already being shared with city and county officials to provide guidance on planning. We are working to establish a moratorium on the number and size of warehouses in the area, along with mitigation measures for the area, including:

Advocating for traffic and infrastructure improvements for aged roadways.
Advocating for the installation of vegetation walls around existing warehouses
Work to improve Sound proofing of residences along major traffic corridors
Examining the benefits of air purification systems on residential indoor air
Working to increase awareness and creating community advocacy with agency partners
Documenting areas needing upgrades to make them handicap accessible including better illumination at night

These are steps that have the potential to improve the quality of life in the Del Amo community considerably, and the work of our truck counting team was instrumental in getting us to this point.

Advocating for traffic and infrastructure improvements for aged roadways.
Advocating for the installation of vegetation walls around existing warehouses
Work to improve Sound proofing of residences along major traffic corridors
Examining the benefits of air purification systems on residential indoor air
Working to increase awareness and creating community advocacy with agency partners
Documenting areas needing upgrades to make them handicap accessible including better illumination at night

These are steps that have the potential to improve the quality of life in the Del Amo community considerably, and the work of our truck counting team was instrumental in getting us to this point.