Jefferson County delays action on proposed truck embargo, orders traffic counts

The Jefferson County Board of Supervisors on Monday paused consideration of a proposed embargo that would limit non‑agricultural heavy truck traffic on a rural county road and instead directed the county engineer to collect vehicle and truck‑type counts during the upcoming construction season.

The proposed measure would have restricted commercial heavy loads and allowed certain exemptions for agricultural deliveries and for empty trucks traveling to regional sand pits. At the public hearing, a representative for Capstan and Gravel (Speaker 9) told the board that limiting traffic patterns could "cause a material interruption to our business," saying many contracts are bid a year in advance and that rerouting would add miles and costs. Several nearby farmers and residents said typical farm deliveries should be exempt and warned that an embargo could harm local agricultural operations and royalty income tied to the sand plant.

Supervisors said they were sympathetic to both road‑preservation concerns and local economic impacts. The board debated whether existing heavy agricultural traffic or new commercial haul traffic were the primary cause of road deterioration. Instead of passing an ordinance, the board approved a motion to have the county engineer perform traffic counts during peak season so members can quantify truck volumes, types and timing before voting on any embargo or permit program.

Board members and industry representatives said the counts would separate construction haul traffic from agricultural movement and give both sides data to inform potential permit conditions, exemptions, or compensation agreements for road wear. The board will revisit the issue after the engineer’s report.