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County narrows 'general direction' truck exemptions, approves expanded truck-route network (Ron Station removed)
Summary
The Board tightened truck-route enforcement by eliminating the broad 'general direction' exemption and approved additions to the truck-route network. The board approved the ordinance changes but removed Ron Station Road from the list of added routes.
Public works staff proposed revisions to the county truck-route ordinance to make enforcement clearer and to expand the official truck network to included roads being upgraded to freight standards. Commissioners approved the ordinance change with one requested edit: Ron Station Road was removed from the expanded list.
Why it matters: County officials said the existing ordinance’s “general direction” exemption was difficult to enforce and allowed trucks to use local roads as through routes. Tightening the rule and expanding the designated truck network aims to reduce pavement damage, safety risks and enforcement ambiguity.
What changed
- Removal of the “general direction” exemption: Staff said the language that permitted trucks traveling “in the general direction” of a truck route to remain on local roads created enforcement problems and would be removed.
- Expanded truck-route network: The county will add roads that are under contract or scheduled for upgrade to freight standards (examples cited included sections of McCall Road and Blue Jay Road, and a short segment of Sand Hill Road between Blue Jay and Highway 80). The board explicitly removed Ron Station Road from the approved additions because design or contract work for that road is not yet ready.
- Signage and enforcement: The county will simplify signs to a clear “No trucks” pictogram and add intersection riders to make prohibitions more visible. Staff said documentation such as bills of lading could be used to show lawful movement to or from a truck route.
Vote and rationale: The board approved the revisions (approved as “alternative 1” with deletion of Ron Station Road). Commissioners and the sheriff’s office said simpler signs and clearer route definitions will aid enforcement and reduce local damage from heavy vehicles.
Ending: Staff will continue replacing and adding signs and will consider future ordinance edits as additional roads are upgraded to truck-route standards.
