Title
Truck Traffic along SR 91 and SR 303
Brief Description: Staff would like to discuss with Council restricting truck weight limits along SR 91 and SR 303 and designating an alternate truck route to alleviate congestion at the intersections of SR 91 and SR 303.
Body
Legislative History
None.
Purpose & Explanation
In July, a resident contacted the City to inquire about the possibility of restricting truck traffic on State Route 91 and State Route 303, as well as designating an alternate route to reduce congestion and maintenance costs at this intersection.
Because this topic had been discussed previously, with concerns that such a restriction might jeopardize federal, aid funding, staff followed up with the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) for clarification.
ODOT confirmed that federal-aid funding eligibility is tied to a roadway’s functional classification rather than truck traffic volume, meaning a properly approved restriction will not jeopardize federal funding.
However, ODOT provided critical legal clarification regarding what types of restrictions are permissible under state law. Under Ohio Revised Code (ORC) Sections 4511.06 and 4513.33, municipalities cannot restrict truck traffic on State or U.S. Routes based on vehicle size, physical characteristics, or vehicle type. Any restriction must be based strictly on vehicle weight, meet established engineering standards, and receive formal approval from the Director of Transportation. ODOT strongly advised the City to consult its Law Director to ensure any proposed local ordinance strictly aligns with these statutory limits; the City Law Director has reviewed this guidance and is in agreement.
This clarification directly impacts the potential scope of any proposed restriction, as the City cannot legally restrict semi-trucks based strictly on size or configuration. A weight-based restriction could directly impact local deliveries, trash trucks, emergency services, and other municipal vehicles, while requiring the City to coordinate potential alternate bypass routes with neighboring jurisdictions. Therefore, further considerations to how best to accommodate these restrictions would need implemented.
To pursue an approved weight-based restriction, the City must submit a detailed proposal to ODOT that includes:
1. A formal statement establishing the purpose and need for the weight restriction on SR 91 and SR 303.
2. Specific identification of the roadway segments subject to the weight limit.
3. An operational plan showing how local businesses along the corridor will be accommodated for deliveries, pickups, and service.
4. Identification of designated alternate routes for diverted trucks, along with documentation of inter-agency coordination with adjacent local or county jurisdictions responsible for maintaining those alternate roads.
5. Complete signing plans for both the restricted segments and the designated alternate routes. All approved signage must be provided, installed, and maintained at the City's expense.
6. Written confirmation from the City Solicitor verifying that the proposed restriction falls within municipal authority under the Ohio Revised Code.
Staff notes that rerouting truck traffic onto alternate local streets, such as Middleton Road, Stow Road, Terex Road, or Barlow Road, would likely increase noise, raise safety concerns for adjacent neighborhoods, accelerate pavement deterioration, and increase roadway maintenance costs on those corridors. Furthermore, enforcing weight-based limits would require the Hudson Police Department to monitor truck traffic, verify delivery paperwork, and conduct active weight checks along both the restricted routes and the designated bypasses.
Based upon the Ohio Revised Code and ODOT's input, restricting truck weights along SR 91 and SR 303 is not recommended. Staff is seeking Council's direction on whether to proceed with evaluating a statutory weight-based restriction.
Fiscal Impact
Currently Budgeted (This is not budgeted in 2017.)
Supplemental Appropriation Required
X Appropriation Not Required.
Recommendation
Suggested Action
Staff is looking for Council direction on the desire to move forward with an alternate route for trucks.
Submitted by,
Thomas J. Sheridan, City Manager
Brian Griffith, Assistant City Manager
Bradley S. Kosco, PE, PS, City Engineer
Jonathon Szalay, PE, Senior Engineer