Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Transportation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Douglas County adopts truck‑route restrictions for Fremont, East Valley and Sunrise Pass
Summary
The Douglas County Board of County Commissioners adopted an ordinance restricting through truck traffic on portions of Fremont Street, East Valley Road and Sunrise Pass Road and marking Buckeye Road and some East Valley segments as 'not a truck route.' The measure passed unanimously after public testimony about road damage and safety.
The Douglas County Board of County Commissioners on June 4 adopted ordinance 20‑26‑16‑68 to restrict truck traffic on parts of Fremont Street, East Valley Road and Sunrise Pass Road and to mark Buckeye Road and portions of East Valley as "not a truck route." The vote was 5–0.
Public Works Director Phil Richter told the board the ordinance updates the county code list of road segments that carry control devices and truck restrictions, adding the targeted sections to reduce heavy commercial traffic through residential areas. "This ordinance would add to that list," Richter said, summarizing the segments to be posted no‑trucks or not‑a‑truck‑route.
Residents who live along Fremont and East Valley told commissioners that heavy trucks have worn the roadway, raised dust and created safety risks for horses and pedestrians. "It's amazing how loud those trucks are," said Shawnene Garen, who identified herself as a resident of East Valley and urged patience for the adaptation period after the new signage.
Sheriff Dan Coverley said enforcement will be handled by the sheriff's office the same as other traffic violations and encouraged residents to report suspected through‑truck trips with vehicle descriptions and license plates so deputies can respond. "If you have a vehicle, it doesn't matter what the traffic violation is… give us a call, get the description of the vehicle, license plate if you can, and we'll try to catch up with them," Coverley said.
Commissioners said the ordinance is expected to reduce bypass truck traffic used to avoid town speeds and help preserve local roads that are not built for sustained heavy loads. After public comment, Commissioner Hales moved to adopt the ordinance and Commissioner Tarkanian seconded; the motion passed 5–0.
Next steps include posting the new signage and conducting public outreach so commercial drivers are aware of the restrictions. The sheriff's office indicated it will include extra patrols in the newly posted areas while drivers adapt to the changes.
