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Midlothian council limits through‑truck traffic on Midlothian Parkway; Feb. 1 start date set
Summary
The City Council voted unanimously to amend truck‑route rules that will bar through heavy trucks from a key segment of Midlothian Parkway, while preserving exceptions for local deliveries. The ordinance includes a Feb. 1 effective date to allow 90 days for signage and outreach.
The Midlothian City Council on Oct. 28 approved an ordinance restricting through heavy trucks on Midlothian Parkway between Main Street and a point just north of Mockingbird Lane, with an implementation date set for Feb. 1 to allow time for signage and driver outreach.
Council members and staff said the change is meant to preserve pavement life on a roadway more than 20 years old and to discourage truck traffic that bypasses state routes. ‘‘The intent was to try to keep trucks that are not accessing local property off Midlothian Parkway and routed to 287 and 67 instead,’’ a city staff member explained during the meeting.
The amended code retains existing exceptions that allow vehicles to travel the shortest practicable route for pickups and deliveries to properties located on the restricted segment. Local business owner Randy Denton asked the council to confirm that the ordinance would not prevent routine pickups and deliveries; staff and the police department confirmed those local access exceptions remain in place.
Councilman Weaver offered and the council accepted an amendment setting a Feb. 1 effective date to allow roughly 90 days for public notices, message boards and coordination with industry and fleet operators. City staff said they will use mobile message boards, letters, and PIO outreach to notify companies and drivers before enforcement begins.
The council voted 6–0 to adopt the ordinance. City staff said the police department’s commercial vehicle enforcement unit will handle complaints and enforcement once the ordinance becomes effective.
