AGENDA DATE: 11/7/2018
TITLE:
Title
Miller School Road (Route 635) and Owensville Road (Route 676) Through-Truck Restrictions
BODY
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Request for Through-truck restrictions on Miller School Road (Route 635) and Owensville Road (Route 676)
ITEM TYPE: Regular Action Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Richardson, Walker, Kamptner, Graham, Gast-Bray, Benish, McDermott
PRESENTER (S): Kevin McDermott
LEGAL REVIEW: Yes
REVIEWED BY: Jeffrey B. Richardson
BACKGROUND: On October 10, 2018, the Board of Supervisors held a Public Hearing on the proposal to restrict through-truck traffic on Miller School Road (Route 635) and Owensville Road (Route 678). After considering the public comment and available information, the Board directed staff to come back to the November 7, 2018 meeting with information and Resolutions to request that the Commonwealth Transportation Board set a restriction on the subject roads for Through Tractor Trailers. Attachment A provides the Executive Summary and accompanying information from the October 10, 2017 Public Hearing.
STRATEGIC PLAN: Rural Area Character: Preserve the character of rural life with thriving farms and forests, traditional crossroad communities, and protected scenic areas, historic sites, and biodiversity
DISCUSSION: The Board expressed interest in requesting that the Commonwealth Transportation Board restrict Through Tractor Trailers on both Owensville Road and Miller School Road. According to the Federal Highways Administration a Tractor Truck is defined as “a non-cargo-carrying power unit used in combination with a semitrailer (or trailer).” Further, a Tractor Trailer is a Tractor Truck with a trailer or semi-trailer connected. Under the proposed restriction, Tractor Trucks would be able to travel these roads if they do not have a trailer or semi-trailer connected. Tractor Trailers are distinguished from pickup trucks, which are considered straight trucks and would be allowed with a trailer of any size. The distinguishing characteristic in the definition is whether the “power unit” is intended to, or capable of, carrying anything beyond an operator without the trailer or semi-trailer. A third type of truck, which would not fall under this restriction, is a single-unit truck, which may look like a tractor trailer, but the entire truck and trailer sits on a single frame and is not articulated.
A restriction of Through Tractor Trailers would prevent many logging trucks and some larger dump trucks from using these roads but would allow most smaller hauling companies or those that generally carry smaller loads to continue using the roads.
The Board was particularly concerned about impacts to smaller haulers and local companies that may be negatively impacted by any through truck restriction, so setting a specific length of trucks to restrict was not advanced. However, there was some discussion of setting a length restriction for Through Trucks exceeding 65 feet in total length. This would prohibit trucks of an exceptional length only, as many tractor trailers do not exceed 65 feet. However, there are trucks, especially long-haul trucks, that do exceed 65 feet in total length. A 65- foot length restriction would allow most logging trucks and dump trucks. However, there have been reports from Albemarle County Police that many horse trailers being pulled by pick-up trucks have exceeded 65 feet on other routes in the County that restrict through trucks or combinations exceeding 65 feet in total length.
Continued research into possible special permits to allow haulers to use the restricted routes did not reveal any available exceptions or waivers. It appears that if a restriction is put in place for either Through Tractor Trailers or trucks or combinations exceeding 65 feet in total length, there are no exceptions or exemptions.
BUDGET IMPACT: No anticipated budget impacts
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Board adopt the attached Resolutions (Attachments B and C) based on input submitted at the public hearing to formally request the Commonwealth Transportation Board to restrict through tractor trailer traffic on Owensville Road and Miller School Road.
If the Board wishes to restrict through truck traffic for trucks or combinations exceeding 65 feet in total length, staff recommends that the Board adopt the attached Resolutions (Attachments D and E) to restrict through truck traffic for trucks or combinations exceeding 65 feet in total length on Owensville Road and Miller School Road.
ATTACHMENTS:
A - October 10, 2018 Executive Summary and Board Information
B - Owensville Road Through Tractor Trailer Restriction Resolution
C - Miller School Road Through Tractor Trailer Restriction Resolution
D - Owensville Road Trucks or Combinations Exceeding 65 Feet in Total Length Restriction Resolution
E - Miller School Road Trucks or Combinations Exceeding 65 Feet in Total Length Restriction Resolution