Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Transportation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Residents press county to restrict heavy trucks on West Hammond/County Road 5500
Summary
West Hammond residents urged the commission to limit heavy-truck traffic on County Road 5500, citing dangerous passing on double-yellow lines, lack of shoulders, mailboxes close to pavement and school-bus safety risks; speakers recommended signage, speed limit changes and coordination with state police and DOT.
Several residents from the West Hammond area used the public-comment period to press San Juan County officials for immediate action to address heavy-truck traffic and safety on County Road 5500.
Carol Clore described the road as effectively a "racetrack" and asked the commission to "rethink" allowing large trucks on the route because children stand near bus stops on the narrow shoulderless road. Steve Womel, who said he spearheaded the community effort, noted near-miss incidents when tractor-trailers passed stopped vehicles and urged signage and legal review under state statute (chapter 66 cited) to allow restrictions. Multiple residents, including Barbara Kipper and Steve Rogers (a professional truck driver), described increasing truck traffic and called for measures including signage at both ends of the road, speed-limit adjustments, and collaboration with state police and DOT.
Speakers reported that Google/route-mapping changes may be contributing to truck volumes and asked the county to investigate mitigation options before a serious collision occurs. Commissioners acknowledged the safety concerns and asked staff to consult legal counsel and coordinate with state authorities on appropriate remedies.
