Residents press Tarentum officials for stronger action on tractor-trailer traffic at 10th and East streets

Residents told the Tarentum Borough Council on Jan. 14 that tractor-trailer traffic at the intersection of 10th Street and East Street is creating repeated safety incidents and that existing signage and proposed towing enforcement are unlikely to stop the problem.

"So what are we doing about the trucks? That's my only question," said Brad Lightner, who identified himself as a resident and property owner at 909 East Street. Lightner said he has video evidence of multiple trucks ignoring one-way signs, striking a fire hydrant and damaging curbs.

The concern was echoed by Kelly Lightner, who asked whether the borough could reinstall blinking lights on the "no trucks beyond this point" signs so drivers would notice them. "Is there any way to put blinking...lights on the truck sign and maybe they'll notice it more?" she asked.

Manager Dwight Bader said the borough will explore multiple approaches. He suggested the council could request map-company routing changes (Apple, Waze, Google) and consult the police and solicitor about additional measures. "We'll put in the request, but there's no guarantee that they're going to honor it," Bader said.

Council and staff discussed enforcement options and detection technology but noted constraints. Lieutenant Mark Legalski (police) cautioned that automated license-plate readers and similar equipment are expensive; he said they cite trucks when they catch them but that routine enforcement resources are limited. A councilmember suggested involving the congressional office to raise the issue with state or regional authorities where previous efforts have helped with infrastructure work.

The council invited residents to file formal complaints and said staff would explore short-term signage changes and long-term options, including outreach to mapping companies and possible coordination with county or state authorities. No formal vote or ordinance was taken at the meeting.

The discussion occurred during the meeting's first citizens-comment period and drew follow-up remarks from residents and staff; council asked staff to investigate and report back at a future meeting.

Ending: Council members thanked the speakers for coming forward and said staff would follow up with legal, police and public works to identify enforceable steps and any requests that could be sent to mapping firms or higher-level agencies.