County seeks to limit trucks Hug

Loudon County Commission wants the Loudon County Highway Department to place signs on side roads to warn drivers of large trucks not to use those routes as shortcuts when Interstate 75 backs up.

Commissioner Van Shaver told commission during a recent workshop that the problem occurs on a number of county roads. Truck drivers get off the interstate to find ways around traffic snarls.

Often guided by GPS or an application like Google Maps that show alternate routes, the drivers end up on small roads and unable to turn around. There have been multiple accidents and stuck vehicles resulting from attempts to use side roads, Shaver said.

County Mayor Rollen “Buddy” Bradshaw said he’s seen many examples of misguided truckers trying to cut through secondary roads with no idea what they were getting into. He said GPS can make matters worse.

“Google doesn’t know if you’re driving a Volkswagen or a semi,” he said. “It doesn’t know how wide the road is.”

Shaver said the problem frequently starts at the Sugarlimb exit of I-75 when drivers try to use Old Sugarlimb or Hotchkiss Valley roads. On GPS, Old Hickory Road looks like a shortcut to Watt Road but can’t handle vehicles like semitrailers.

He thinks a partial solution might be implemented by posting signs that heavy vehicles and commercial trucks are prohibited on side roads. Drivers could be cited for ignoring the signs. The side roads could have weight limits, which is harder to enforce because law enforcement officers have no way of knowing the weight of the vehicle.

Road Supervisor Billy Pickel said he was aware of the issue and emphasized many smaller roads near the interstate deal with the problem.

“Those truckers get off there and they start wandering around,” Pickel said. “Pretty soon they get stuck or run off the road.”

He said he and Sheriff-elect Jimmy Davis agreed signs might help but enforcement would be needed.

Pickel said a day after the meeting he was already working to have signs made up, which could cost about $1,500. Tennessee Department of Transportation recommended a local ordinance might be needed, he said.

RESOLUTION DRAFT

A RESOLUTION OF THE LOUDON COUNTY COMMISSION WITH THE SUGESTIONS OF THE ROAD SUPEREINTENDENT TO MAKE CERTAIN COUNTY ROADS “NO TRUCK ZONES”

Whereas, there are traffic instances from state routes that cause heavy commercial trucks to use county roads as alternate route; and these roads were not designed for the heavy commercial truck traffic;

Whereas, it is believed that having such “no truck zones” signs, would provide warning to truck operators and improve congestion issues caused by these unplanned detours; and

Whereas, this resolution is required to allow the Road Superintendent to place a regulatory sign for enforcement;

Whereas, the Road Superintendent will suggest the roads in this resolution;

Whereas, this resolution does not intend to disturb commerce, agricultural operations or prohibit, planned detours, deliveries of goods, the loading of goods or the owner or operator of “truck” leaving or returning to their residence or terminal;

NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved, that the Loudon County Road Superintendent and the Loudon County Commission concur that: Hotchkiss Valley Road East, Hickory Creek Road, Loudon Ridge Road, Old Sugar Limb Road, Unitia Road (from Highway 321 to Highway 95), East Coast Tellico Parkway, National Campground Road, Prospect Church Road and Dry Valley Road, are considered primarily as residential areas and that they be designated as “NO TRUCK ZONES”.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that these roads be placarded as “no truck zones” because the public welfare and safety requires it.

_____________________ ATTEST LOUDON COUNTY CHAIRMAN DATE: _________________

APPROVED:

DISAPPROVED: