No to trucks

At Monday’s borough council meeting, Mayor Leo Lutz said plans to relocated Route 441 and get the big trucks out of the downtown continue to move forward.
Earlier in the day, Lutz and Councilwoman Mary Wickenheiser attended a meeting of the Lancaster County Transportation Technical Advisory Committee.
“They assured us the project is on schedule,” Lutz said.
But the completion of the project won’t be until at least 2015. Lutz said one of the things that made the committee take notice there is a huge problem with the big trucks in Columbia was a letter he read and pictures he showed that he received from someone who lives along the truck route.
The letter talked about the foundation of the resident’s house being damaged by the trucks and also cracks on the resident’s porch.
“I shared the letter and it had an impact on the committee,” Lutz said.
“We must stay on schedule and keep this project moving forward,” Lutz said.
But between now and when the relocation is completed, what can be done to let the trucks know they are causing problems in Columbia?
Borough Council approved the purchase of scales, a van and equipment to begin inspecting trucks for safety when they travel through the borough. In addition to getting the equipment, police will be trained to do the inspections and issue citations.
Columbia had already budgeted for the purchase of the equipment and at least $40,000 in revenue in 2008.
“This is another step that shows we are serious about relocating Route 441. We make to make sure the trucks that are coming through this borough are legal,” said Councilwoman Mary Wickenheiser.

Read more in Thursday's Columbia Ledger.