Barge traffic not only increased in October but for the year-to-date according to information released this week by the Tulsa Port of Catoosa. And it meant fewer 18-wheelers on Oklahoma highways.
Barge tonnage was 213,717 in 111 barges for the month of October. That’s equivalent to what the Port announcement said “would have added a staggering 8,500 trucks to our roads and highways but which was instead diverted to the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System.”
The October tonnage compares to 164,171 tons in 90 barges in September. And the grand total year-to-date through October is 1,794,202 tons compared to 1,227-675 tons for the same period in 2015.
The Port explained that a 12-barge tow holds the equivalent of 720 semi-trucks or 180 railcars. A recent Regional Economic Impact Study conducted for the Oklahoma segment of the 445-mile McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System determined that it provided $1.29 billion in annual business sales and 8,743 full and part-time jobs within the 80-plus companies located along the system in Oklahoma.
Deidre Smith, Oklahoma Department of Transportation Waterways Branch Manager said 66 percent of the 12 million tons of commodities shipped every year n Oklahoma and Arkansas’ waterway are agricultural products.
“Fuel use and CO2 emissions are reduced by 40 percent compared to rail and 270 percent by truck,” said Smith.