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City engineers propose four 30‑minute loading zones downtown; council asks for traffic commission review
Summary
Staff proposed four 20‑foot loading/unloading stalls at downtown intersections to improve deliveries and safety; council directed outreach to the Traffic Safety Commission and a trial program while flagging ADA, enforcement and hours questions.
City Engineer Jap presented a staff plan Sept. 9 to add four short-term loading and unloading zones in downtown Laramie at Second & University, Second & Ivinson, Second & Grand and Second & Garfield. "Each zone would be a 30 minute general loading zone," Jap said, and staff recommended 20‑foot spaces placed about 20 feet from each intersection radius to minimize vehicles extending into travel lanes.
Why it matters: staff said the locations would make deliveries and customer loading easier and improve safety because vehicles would not block travel lanes or stand in diagonal parking while loading. The proposed spaces are sized for typical service trucks and pickup trucks and are not intended for semitrailers or very large delivery vehicles. Staff noted modest sign and striping costs and warned enforcement will be a practical challenge.
Council discussion covered several topics: accessibility for people with mobility challenges who need short-term access to a curb, whether passenger vehicles should be required to remain occupied while using loading zones, and whether to restrict hours (for example daytime only) so the spaces serve daytime deliveries rather than evening restaurant parking. Councilor Lockhart suggested requiring hazard lights while loading as a low-cost compliance signal. Councilor Newman suggested limiting hours (for example to daytime) to avoid removing parking when restaurants are busy at night.
Public commenters requested additional analysis and placement variations: a downtown property owner suggested placing loading spaces mid-block near alley entrances to serve both block faces and reduce the number of removed parking spaces; another commenter urged staff not to remove existing accessible parking.
Next steps: council directed staff to take the plan to the Traffic Safety Commission for formal review and public comment, to notify downtown stakeholders, and to run a limited trial program and collect feedback before permanent installation. Staff estimated a loss of roughly 12–13 parking stalls if all proposed spaces are installed; signage, time limits and enforcement details will be refined after the Traffic Safety Commission review.
There was no formal vote; council consensus favored further study through the commission and a pilot implementation.
