New York DOT Takes Action on Truck Traffic in Finger Lakes

The New York State Department of Transportation has taken actions to reduce the number of large, oversized and overweight trucks traveling through the Finger Lakes area

, according to a release by Gov. David Paterson.

In early April, a Department of Transportation meeting had the Upstate Safety Task Force and the New York Motor Truck Association Director Kendra Adams under the impression that the DOT wasn't considering a ban on trucks in the area anymore.

And while the DOT's plans don't mention any ban on trucks, it does include strategies for reducing truck traffic.

Specifically, the Empire State Development Corporation negotiated an agreement with Seneca Meadows Landfill and the Seneca County Industrial Development Agency (IDA) to include a routing-restriction clause in the landfill's new and/or renewed contracts with waste haulers. Municipal solid waste haulers coming from outside the Finger Lakes area are directed to use the interstate highway system, existing the NYS Thruway at exit 41. Local government is negotiating with other landfills for similar restrictions.

The department also issued new permit conditions that limit oversize and overweight trucks operating under the department's permits from using seven identified highways in the Finger Lakes region.

In addition, the number of truck inspections in the area have nearly doubled, and the department is working with local officials and others to extend lower speed limits where possible and appropriate.

"When I visited the Finger Lakes region, I pledged to have the New York State Department of Transportation take a fresh look at this issue, and develop fair solutions to help those who live, work and recreate in the area," Paterson said. "Together with Acting Commissioner Stanley Gee and officials in other state agencies, we have taken a number of steps to address local concerns and develop solutions tailored to meeting the needs of individual communities."

State and local officials applauded the NYSDOT's actions.

"The NYSDOT has worked out alternative actions that promise to help alleviate the problem and the Upstate Safety Task Force will continue to work with the DOT to put into action these plans that we believe will work," said Barbara Ann Clary, Upstate Safety Task Force president.