TRUCK TRAFFIC

MoDOT says no to mandatory truck route restrictions, offers options

The city of Kennett recently received its answer from the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) regarding the possibility of setting up a truck route around the town.

After a diesel truck broke an axle and turned over on First Street last month, spilling hundreds of gallons of liquid fertilizer, Mayor Roger Wheeler contacted MoDOT about the possibility of setting up a truck route using the city's north and south bypasses.

In a letter dated June 25, 2009, MoDOT District Traffic Engineer Craig Compas responded to Wheeler's request, offering options for the city to consider.

"On behalf of MoDOT, thank you for your past cooperation we've experienced in our dealings with the City of Kennett," Compas said. "This letter is in response to your letter dated June 10, 2009, concerning truck traffic in the City of Kennett.

"While we understand you city's request, we are bound by certain requirements set forth by the state statues governing the MHTC and interstate commerce. If your request is to eliminate truck traffic along MO 84 [First Street/St. Francis Street] through the city of Kennett, we are unable to restrict truck traffic unless it is for a physical restriction (width, height, or weight)."

As stated last month by Steve Hoernig, traffic operations engineer with MoDOT, the department cannot restrict traffic along MO 84 due to the road being paid for by tax monies.

Hoernig said that MO 84 is a state road paid for by tax money and by law, since the trucking companies pay taxes, it cannot restrict their access.

One option offered by MoDOT would entail the city taking ownership of MO 84.

"If this occurs, the city could restrict access to large trucks by ordinance and add signs accordingly," Compas said. "While we offer this solution as a way for Kennett to meet its designated solution, MoDOT understands the expense to the city in taking ownership of this route."

According to Wheeler, the city does not have the funds or the resources to for such a large undertaking.

The other option offered by MODOT would be to add a preferred truck route (PTR).

"While this option has been tested in other communities, it has not produced desired results," Compas said.

"Understand that this would not be requirement for trucks, but a suggested alternate route. The PTR would not benefit the state system, as it would merely divert truck traffic from one state route to another.

"For this option to be implemented, MHTC would enter into a 10-year agreement with the city for the installation of the signs. While installation would be completed by the state, the cost to the City of Kennett is estimated at $15,000-$20,000."

Wheeler said that although the second option is not as expensive as the first, he could think of better projects to spend $20,000 on rather than buying signs.

The physical restriction clause does allow MoDOT to route HAZMAT trucks around town, according to Wheeler, but their routes generally send them around the city anyway.

Wheeler said a decision has yet to be made and he will present the information from MoDOT to the street committee and see if they have any recommendations.