HAZMAT loads could be restriced during Olympics

Nov 16, 2001 12:00 PM

Salt Lake City officials announced Wednesday that hazardous material shipments might be restricted from passing near Olympic venues during the Winter Games scheduled for February, according to information from the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association.

Safety officials say they're worried about a spill or release of materials such as poisonous gas, which could force the shutdown of an Olympic event.

City officials are reportedly working with the Utah Olympic Public Safety Command and Secret Service to determine the cost of limiting truck traffic near games sites. Officials are chiefly concerned about one truck route that runs directly in front of the Delta Center, which will host numerous competitions. To the west of the city, railroad tracks lie near a shopping center where hordes of visitors are expected to mingle.

While officials acknowledge they cannot prevent all shipments from entering the area, security will be enhanced at truck inspection stations around Utah.