Despite signs, 18-wheelers still using Main Street

By AMY SATTERWHITE / Staff Reporter for the Southern Standard

These post bollards being installed by Apex Construction’s Andrew Brock and Malcolm McBee yesterday may deter vehicular damage to portions of the Court Square park. (Amy Satterwhite photo)

Protecting the newly completed construction project on Main Street is proving to be difficult, as city officials report at least one semi or other larger-than-average truck attempts to travel the road every week.

Even though signs clearly state no trucks are allowed, semi trucks, logging trailers and other big trucks are disregarding the signs and traveling through the brand-new streets and sidewalk project, which is located east of Chancery Street on West Main Street.

The city is in the process of getting new truck routes established that are designed to help steer large trucks away from the area, but until state approval is received, deterrents like policing or perhaps a new city ordinance may be in order.

“It’s going to have to be policed to get it done,” Public Works director Bill Brock advised during this week’s Main Street construction progress meeting in response to a question from Mayor Royce Davenport, who expressed concern about the occurrences.

Davenport said at least one large truck per week is attempting to maneuver West Main and Depot Streets, which are not designed to handle the massive trucks. Already, an 18-wheeler has completely ripped away a protective bell bollard farther west at the Chancery and Main intersection, when a semi attempted to turn south off West Main Street. That issue is being handled through an insurance claim.

City officials indicated Wednesday they don’t want any more damage done in the construction area downtown, especially on the West Main portion located east of Chancery Street.

“We’re working hard to get this project finished and I don’t want anybody to tear anything up,” Davenport said.

Brock said the city is currently working with state officials to have an official truck route established, but that will take time. Signs flanking West Main Street at Chancery Street currently prohibit truck travel and may be enforced with policing, but they are not permanent signs.

Davenport said an ordinance at the city board level will likely be necessary to better enforce the “no trucks” philosophy when the signs are removed. In short, an ordinance could make that type of truck travel illegal in the affected areas of downtown, although some concessions would likely be made for those making deliveries downtown.