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Resident raises alarm about rising semi-truck traffic near Hartsville historic district; council promises follow-up
Summary
A resident told the council that an increase in semi-tractor trailer traffic is affecting Hartsville's historic district, citing inadequate signage and officers' lack of training to stop semis; the mayor pledged to work with the city manager and DOT and to raise the issue with the legislative delegation.
David Helen of 414 East Home Avenue told the Hartsville City Council on March 11 that semi-tractor trailer traffic has increased in and around the city's historic district, creating safety and infrastructure concerns.
"We do... have had an increase in semi tractor trailer truck traffic in and around the historic district," Helen said, noting streets in the historic district were not built to carry 80,000-pound semis and that signage directing trucks to the plant is absent or occurs too late for drivers to avoid the downtown area.
He described recurring incidents of lost truck drivers making U-turns on residential streets and said officers he spoke with told him they were not trained to pull over semis. Helen urged increased directional signage and police enforcement.
Mayor Casey Hancock responded that he would "work with the manager" to coordinate with police, Department of Transportation and industry stakeholders and mentioned an upcoming meeting with the legislative delegation as an opportunity to raise the matter. Council members noted the issue involves multiple agencies, including state and federal transport authorities, and said staff would examine next steps for signage and enforcement.
No formal council action or ordinance was proposed at the meeting; the matter was raised during the public-comment portion and will be routed to staff for follow-up.
