11-9-22 npd report on truck traffic copy

8/4/2019 11-9-22 Npd Report on Truck Traffic Copy

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The truck traffic in and around the area of Day/Bates Ave has been an

ongoing issue for some time. This memo is based on my experience of

enforcement and patrol in the area, as well as my understanding of measures

taken in the past lead me to believe that there are two issues which are present

that contribute to this problem. I believe that at least one of these issues can be

addressed and would result in a reduction of truck traffic on Bates and Day Ave

and also reduce many of the West bound bridge strikes to the railroad overpass

at Main St and Market St.

The first issue that is present that I do not believe can be changed, is the

truck operator’s use of GPS direction devices. I have found that truck drivers

delivering to the Coke plant do not draw this route with any consistency. Of all

the drivers that I have stopped and talked with, this is the first time that theyhave drawn this route. This makes contacting the delivery source and having

them warn the drivers ineffective All of the truck operators that I stopped who

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the Coke driveway. From the Bates/Day intersection, vehicles would be

traveling in a westerly direction. It should be noted that Coke designed their

driveway so that it is only accessible if the vehicle is traveling easterly.

Realizing this, truck operators continue into the traffic circle and return to the

drive and enter.

I DO NOT believe that the GPS issue can be corrected. GPS can’t know

what type of vehicle it is riding in while giving directions.

I believe that the best solution is better signage for the drivers. Signage

could be posted in strategic locations that are both visible, and informative

enough to draw the driver’s attention and alert them to both the danger and the

correct route.

I have included images that assist in understanding the issue.

Image number 1 is taken on Rt 91 Northbound at mile marker 24.4. This is just

prior to exit 19 which can be seen in the background.

Possible solution A sign here indicating NO LEFT TURN for coke traffic or

trucks over 13’ in height at the base of the ramp



Images number 3 and 6 display that regular vehicle traffic obscures this

undersized indicator of the proper truck route. By the time that large trucks are

able to see this sign and read it, they have already committed to a left hand turn

and would severely disrupt traffic to change directions and continue straight

onto Damon Rd.

Possible solution see above

Image number 8 in the low bridge warning on Rt 9 west/Bridge St directlyafter making the left hand turn from Exit 19.

Images number 9 and 10 are taken on Rt 9/Bridge Street eastbound in the area

of Clinton St with Day Ave in the distance. In image #9, the NO TRUCK sign is

obscured behind green “park and ride “sign.

Image number10 the NO TRUCK sign is small and barely visible as it’sposted AFTER Day Ave as indicated by the white compact vehicle exiting on

Day Ave.

Possible solution The sign should be more viable and placed on Rt 9/Bridge St

BEFORE Day Ave

Image number 11 is taken from the same location with the camera zoomed tothe maximum showing the NO TRUCK sign as well as the park and ride sign



The same size and type signs that indicate Coca cola and Industrial Dr at the

intersection of Damon Rd and Rt 9 are also posted on the Western side of

Industrial Dr. The location of this sign is difficult to see until the driver has pastthe entrance to the industrial park.

Respectfully submitted

Sgt RJPowers

Traffic Sergeant

Northampton Police Department

11-9-22 npd report on truck traffic copy

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