After a season of loud and noisy construction trucks barreling through Holcomb Road and Washington Street, residents may soon get some relief.
Not only is construction for the water main project in downtown near completion, but the Road Commission of Oakland County (RCOC) has said no more trucks.
As executed under authority of Act 300, P.A. 1949, an amended resolution, adopted by the Board of Road Commissioners for Oakland County, states “that trucks and other commercial vehicles, except for local deliveries, shall be prohibited on White Lake Road from Dixie Highway to Holcomb Road, on Holcomb Road from White Lake Road to Washington Street, and on Washington Street from Holcomb Road to Ortonville Road in the City of the Village of Clarkston and White Lake Township.”
City Manager Art Pappas announced the resolution at the City Council’s Wednesday, Oct. 8 meeting (rescheduled due to the regular meeting falling on Columbus Day, Oct. 13).
Pappas said city officials meet with the Road Commission every two years. He and Mayor Sharron Catallo had mentioned the truck problem on several occasions when asked by the RCOC about issues the city faced.
“This has been a problem for years,” Pappas said, adding residents have frequently complained about the truck traffic.
“It’s dangerous to have trucks down there,” Police Chief Ernest Combs said.
Combs’ biggest concern is with large trucks turning onto Washington from Holcomb.
“They have to swing into oncoming traffic. Obviously it’s a disaster waiting to happen.”
Stated in the resolution, the RCOC board concluded “due to the small radius at the intersection of Holcomb Road and Washington Street trucks are unable to negotiate the northbound to eastbound right turn movement without encroaching the westbound Washington lane, and mounting the curb, resulting in frequent repairs.”
Pappas said the radius was increased during recent road construction, but the corner still does not offer enough room for large trucks to turn.
“There’s nowhere near enough room for a 53 foot trailer to turn there,” Combs said, adding trucks will be restricted to five tons as it is on northbound Holcomb.
This will eliminate medium sized trucks as well, he said.
“This is a residential street, those residents shouldn’t have to be subjected to living on a truck route.”
Once proper signs are posted, the order can be enforced.
Combs will allow a short period of time — length yet to be determined — to issue warnings and let truck drivers become aware of the new regulations.
City engineering consultant Gary Tressel, of Hubbell, Roth and Clark, said signs should be posted shortly.
“This is huge in light of we’re doing all these new streets,” Councilman David Savage said at the meeting.
“Traffic is always a problem on these streets, so every little bit helps,” Pappas said.
Combs said residents won’t have to put up with the noise, vibrations, diesel fumes and soot from trucks anymore, and can feel safer as well.
“All in all, it’ll be much nicer to live on Holcomb without the trucks.”