Longview council authorizes purchase of towable crash attenuator to protect field crews

The Longview City Council voted July 22 to authorize purchase of a Scorpion 2 towable crash attenuator, a device designed to absorb and redirect rear impacts and protect city crews working in roadway work zones.

Eric Collins, city staff, explained the Scorpion 2 can attach to multiple dump trucks in the city's fleet, allowing flexible deployment for after‑hours and emergency work on high‑traffic routes such as Industrial Way and Ocean Beach Highway. "Worker safety is nonnegotiable," Collins said during the presentation.

Collins told council the unit is National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)‑approved and MASH‑certified, is rebuildable after impacts and can be deployed in tighter areas than permanently affixed attenuators. He said the purchase can be accommodated within existing budgets and that the cost will be split between the city's water and sewer funds because water and sewer crews have frequent, emergency after‑hours needs for the device. Other departments may borrow the unit as needed.

Councilmembers asked whether water and sewer funds should bear the cost if other departments will use the unit. Collins said shared equipment use is common and that the city will evaluate later whether additional units should be purchased for specific departments.

Council moved, seconded and approved Resolution 25‑71 by voice vote. Staff noted the Washington State Municipal Insurance Association (WSIA/WCIA) grant program could be a potential source for partial funding.

Why it matters: City crews often work in roadside lane closures or emergency repairs on busy local truck routes. Staff said the Scorpion 2 provides a higher level of protection than cones or signage alone and reduces risk to workers and motorists.

Next steps: Staff will proceed with the purchase under existing budget authorities and track deployment; the city will pursue potential grant funding options to offset costs.