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August 28, 2008

Lower speed limits curb truck-traffic complaints

Malone-area roads called dangerous for pedestrians

By DENISE A. RAYMO

MALONE -- A compromise has lowered speed limits on two of four roads used by tandem trucks to reach wind-energy operations east of Malone.

Thomas Hill Road and River Road are now posted with 35-mph warnings while speed zones on Porter Road and Goodman Road will remain intact.

The speed reduction is an advisory to drivers -- not the law yet, said Town Supervisor Howard Maneely.

Residents had complained to the Town Council about potential dangers to pedestrians, children and other vehicles and about the increased noise created by the heavy vehicles.

The trucks are taking gravel and other supplies to wind-energy plants under construction in Chateaugay, Bellmont and Burke. And reaching them via U.S. Route 11 means the drivers are using the four closest town roads.

Town Council members were concerned by the wear and tear on the pavement and had threatened to restrict truck traffic, forcing drivers to a longer route through the Village of Malone.

But the village didn't want the added traffic or congestion, especially since the suggested route on Duane Street would take trucks past the community's recreational park where kids congregate.

Trucking companies like Titus Mountain Sand and Gravel and North Star Trucking didn't want to use the alternate route either since trips would take longer and cost the firms more in fuel.

Mayor Brent Stewart asked all parties involved to come to a compromise, and that's how the lowering of speed limits was accomplished.

But in order for the change to be permanent, the town has asked Franklin County Highway Superintendent Gary Lewis to get the Region 7 office of the state Department of Transportation involved.

The DOT can then have the State Police Traffic Unit from Troop B headquarters in Ray Brook evaluate River Road -- which has one stretch of speed zone at 45 mph sandwiched between two 35-mph zones -- and Thomas Hill Road.

The recommendation could be to make the entire length of each road 35 mph, Maneely said.

The supervisor said the evaluation "could take anywhere from 30 to 90 days, depending on what else they have going on."

Since the lower limits were posted last week, the town has had no complaints.

"We've had very cooperative people, and it's slowing the truck drivers down," Maneely said.

draymo@pressrepublican.com

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