Finger Lakes region residents will have one last opportunity to officially voice their opinion as part of an ongoing effort to establish regulations that would limit long-distance truckers from using seven specific rural, upstate routes, including 41A between Homer and Skaneateles, as shortcuts.
The proposed regulations are scheduled to reach Gov. David Paterson's office for review next week. Once the governor has had an opportunity to look the measure over, the proposal will be passed back to the state Department of Transportation before entering into a 45-day public comment period.
The 45-day period is expected to begin some time in early summer. And local advocates for the regulations - led by the Upstate Safety Safety Coalition - are already rallying the troops, preparing community members for the upcoming public comment period.
Members of the coalition are preparing literature outlining the negative impact that long-haul trucks have on commercial tourism, as well as safety concerns. Their goal isn't to remove all trucks off the roads - it's to secure regulations that would limit the long-haul trucks from taking shortcuts through the Finger Lakes region.
The main goal is for the public to come out in favor of the regulations. But trucking firms and their supporters will undoubtedly come out in strong-force to oppose the regulations.
Advocates for change need to be prepared to hold firm ground if these regulations are to go into effect.
And why shouldn't people come out in support of these regulations?
Research from Cornell University has shown that long-haul truck traffic on rural roads doesn't save the trucking companies any money. In fact, studies show that rural routes slow drive time and can sometimes add as much as an hour to a trucker's journey. Even avoiding tolls doesn't compensate for an extra hour of travel, especially considering fluctuations in fuel costs.
The study also addresses the literal impact that truck traffic has on state roads that were not designed to handle the weight, speed and size of these vehicles. Big rigs also pose a threat to motorists and pedestrians, as large trucks can't maneuver adequately on narrow state streets, whereas the interstate was designed to handle heavy trucks and heavy truck volume.
And then there's the noise and unpleasant odors, which are mild offenses in comparison.
It all adds up. I strongly encourage every one to voice support of these regulations.
Estabrook's column appears
Mondays and she can be reached at estabrookcarole@yahoo.com
The 45-day period is expected to begin some time in early summer. And local advocates for the regulations - led by the Upstate Safety Safety Coalition - are already rallying the troops, preparing community members for the upcoming public comment period.
Members of the coalition are preparing literature outlining the negative impact that long-haul trucks have on commercial tourism, as well as safety concerns. Their goal isn't to remove all trucks off the roads - it's to secure regulations that would limit the long-haul trucks from taking shortcuts through the Finger Lakes region.
The main goal is for the public to come out in favor of the regulations. But trucking firms and their supporters will undoubtedly come out in strong-force to oppose the regulations.
Advocates for change need to be prepared to hold firm ground if these regulations are to go into effect.
And why shouldn't people come out in support of these regulations?
Research from Cornell University has shown that long-haul truck traffic on rural roads doesn't save the trucking companies any money. In fact, studies show that rural routes slow drive time and can sometimes add as much as an hour to a trucker's journey. Even avoiding tolls doesn't compensate for an extra hour of travel, especially considering fluctuations in fuel costs.
The study also addresses the literal impact that truck traffic has on state roads that were not designed to handle the weight, speed and size of these vehicles. Big rigs also pose a threat to motorists and pedestrians, as large trucks can't maneuver adequately on narrow state streets, whereas the interstate was designed to handle heavy trucks and heavy truck volume.
And then there's the noise and unpleasant odors, which are mild offenses in comparison.
It all adds up. I strongly encourage every one to voice support of these regulations.
Estabrook's column appears
Mondays and she can be reached at estabrookcarole@yahoo.com
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brew1234 wrote on May 3, 2009 4:53 PM:
sick of it wrote on May 2, 2009 4:12 PM:
brew1234 wrote on May 2, 2009 2:17 AM:
sick of it wrote on Apr 30, 2009 10:43 PM:
sick of it wrote on Apr 30, 2009 5:00 PM:
Farmer's Gal wrote on Apr 29, 2009 1:01 PM:
drivebytrucker wrote on Apr 29, 2009 12:20 PM:
daydreamer wrote on Apr 29, 2009 7:29 AM:
sick of it wrote on Apr 28, 2009 4:03 PM:
horseradish wrote on Apr 28, 2009 2:06 PM:
" don`t we all have anything else to worry about i mean come on now the only thing the drugdealers do is smell and sell drugs get over it we all have to live near them, there trying to make a living just like we are they have a family to don`t forget. " "
horseradish wrote on Apr 28, 2009 2:04 PM:
horseradish wrote on Apr 28, 2009 2:03 PM:
horseradish wrote on Apr 28, 2009 2:03 PM:
Of course a trucker doesn't see anything wrong with smoking pot. What about a cocaine dealer next door. Ok with you? "
sick of it wrote on Apr 28, 2009 12:30 PM:
drivebytrucker wrote on Apr 28, 2009 11:02 AM:
The reason truckers are truckers is that theres a need for them and the job pays. What is your job Horseradish? "
horseradish wrote on Apr 28, 2009 8:04 AM:
see, they are truckers for a reason, they again, will never understand it. they cant; dont blame them, its not their fault.
by the way, sick of it: if a drug dealer is trying to support his family by selling drugs in your neighborhood, is that ok? i mean, he is just trying to make a living. "
horseradish wrote on Apr 28, 2009 8:02 AM:
drivebytrucker wrote on Apr 27, 2009 6:56 PM:
brew1234 wrote on Apr 27, 2009 4:07 PM:
sick of it wrote on Apr 27, 2009 3:22 PM:
brew1234 wrote on Apr 27, 2009 12:54 PM:
sick of it wrote on Apr 27, 2009 11:20 AM: