Youngsville pushes to restrict downtown truck traffic

The town of Youngsville is looking to restrict certain trucks from driving through its downtown district.

The push to redirect 18-wheeler traffic around its growing downtown has been a topic for decades.

In order to reroute the traffic, an alternative route would need to be available, according to the North Carolina Department of Transportation.

A bypass was proposed in 1991. More than 30 years later, the bypass is still an idea on paper, with little concrete traction since then. NCDOT said there is currently no official project in the 10-year state transportation plan for a bypass in Youngsville.

“The new comprehensive plan that we adopted a few months ago includes a route for that bypass that the town has endorsed that has been approved by the CAMPO and would allow for the trucks to go north of town and [east] of town and not have to come through our main street,” said town manager Nathan Page.

He said the heavy truck traffic deters people from wanting to window shop, walk around and enjoy the businesses downtown.

“Having heavy trucks downtown means that it’s very difficult to carry on a conversation; it’s less comfortable out here for someone that’s strolling with their family,” Page said. “At one point in time, it was ok for truck traffic, but as the volume increases, some other considerations need to be made.”

Over the years, businesses have reported the need to constantly clean their windows and damage to their properties. WRAL saw a damaged awning that was reportedly from passing trucks.

“Two [trucks] have hit it in the last 6 months,” said Tammy Clark, the owner of Casey Mobile Home Supplies. Her business is next door to the damaged awning.

However, she said people should expect, and learn to live with, the truck traffic.

“I am not optimistic at all that this is ever going to change,” Clark said.

She also noted that some of the traffic issues are due to regular-sized vehicles, as well, particularly when it comes to pedestrian safety.

While Page wants to see fewer trucks on Main Street, he said he appreciates the work they do.

“Truck traffic is important. The clothes I’m wearing, the car I’m driving, the chair that I sit in in my office, those all came on trucks,” he said. “We’re not trying to say that no trucks can come here; we’re just trying to say that there may be a better route for some of the trucks that are going from Virginia to Florida than coming through downtown Youngsville.”

Page said NCDOT is sending a state traffic engineering to the town within the next few weeks to evaluate the truck traffic downtown and talk with town officials.