City moves to ban construction vehicles during rush hours

During a recent government meeting, the City of Mount Juliet discussed two significant ordinances aimed at improving traffic flow and safety within the city.

The first ordinance, labeled 13 c, was passed on its first reading without opposition. The details of this ordinance were not elaborated upon in the transcript, but it indicates a consensus among the commissioners on the matter.

The second ordinance, 13 d, proposes amendments to the city code to prohibit construction and commercial vehicles from blocking streets during peak traffic hours—specifically from 7 AM to 9 AM and 3 PM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday. Commissioner Justice, who sponsored the ordinance, highlighted the need for such regulations based on traffic issues observed on major roads like Mount Juliet Road and Lebanon Road. He referenced similar regulations in Metro Nashville that effectively manage construction traffic during rush hours.

The discussion revealed a desire for flexibility within the ordinance, allowing inspectors some discretion in enforcing the rules, particularly when construction work is nearing completion. However, there was a debate regarding whether city projects should be exempt from these restrictions due to potential cost implications. Some commissioners argued that the city should adhere to the same standards as private developers, emphasizing the importance of maintaining traffic flow and safety.

Concerns were raised about the existing lack of enforcement regarding obstructive vehicles, including delivery trucks from companies like FedEx and Amazon, which have been known to block roadways. The current statute requires prior notification to the chief of police for any obstruction, but enforcement has been inconsistent.

The commissioners agreed to move forward with the ordinance, suggesting that it be amended to clarify the language regarding traffic flow and to ensure that any exceptions would require approval from the public works director and city manager. The ordinance will undergo further review and potential amendments before its next reading.

Overall, the meeting underscored the city's commitment to addressing traffic congestion and enhancing public safety through legislative measures.