Published: March 05, 2008 02:31 am            

WHAT'S YOUR PROBLEM: Semis disturb peace on Chestnut Ridge

TOWN OF LOCKPORT — The semis rumble past nice homes, a Catholic school and a historic cemetery day and night.

At the busy intersection of Chestnut Ridge and Cold Springs roads, on a hill, sometimes the westbound semis have to stop at the light.

The way they do it has become irritating to Chestnut Ridge Road homeowner Kenneth Branch Jr.

Instead of applying brakes to slow their flying trucks, Branch says too many drivers employ a trick of the trade, downshifting to a lower gear. That slows down the vehicle without putting wear and tear on the brakes.

It also causes the engine to backfire, making a noise loud enough to disturb a homeowner’s peace.

Downshifting wouldn’t be necessary if semi drivers were observing the 40 mph speed limit, Branch argues. Were they driving more slowly, they could apply their brakes and stop safely, he says.

“It’s noise pollution, and the trucks are going well in excess of the speed limit,” Branch said. “If they were going slower, they wouldn’t have to (engine-brake). ... I think there’s a safety issue here. There are a lot of children living in the area. There is the school. There is the cemetery; they should have some respect.”

Branch figures about 150 semis pass through the neighborhood daily, mainly on their way to and from Cold Springs Road. It’s a logical way around the City of Lockport, where driving is slowed by stops at practically every block.

Branch sent an e-mail to the town highway department over a month ago asking for warning signs to be erected on Chestnut Ridge indicating “no engine braking area.” He’s seen the signs on Upper Mountain Road near the town industrial park and would like the same posted at Chestnut Ridge’s westbound lane ahead of Cold Springs.

Branch never received a response from the department, he said.

Town Highway Superintendent Lewis J. Hagen Jr. said Tuesday that the e-mail had been “misplaced,” and he called Branch on Tuesday when he learned of the issue.

Since the road is a state highway, the town does not have authority to post signs on it, he said.

“I gave (Branch) what the procedure is for him to (call the state),” Hagen said. “He was going to send off another e-mail.”

Town Superintendent Marc Smith also took Branch’s contact information prior to the contact Branch had with Hagen. Smith used to live near a state truck route in the city and said he’s fully aware how disruptive the semis’ downshifting can be. There might be valid reasons why engine-braking should not be discouraged, however.

“We will look into it and get (Branch) an answer. It may not be the answer he wants, but we will respond,” Smith said.

What’s Your Problem also contacted Niagara County Sheriff’s Chief Deputy James Voutour to inquire about traffic enforcement on Chestnut Ridge. Voutour said he’d direct patrols to start paying closer attention to the stretch and run radar when they have an opportunity.

Contact reporter Joyce Miles at 439-9222, ext. 6245.



STILL ON THE LIST

• Hoover Parkway plagued with potholes

• Trash-filled trailer sits on Water Street

• Davison Road’s temporary patch coming loose

• Barn only half-demolished in Royalton

• No street signs at Green and North Transit crossing



THE CONTACT: Lewis J. Hagen Jr., town highway superintendent, 439-9522.



What’s your problem?

• What we’re looking for: Things in the area that need to be fixed

• Contact: Managing editor Tim Marren

• How: Send us your problem at marrent@gnnewspaper.com or call 439-9222, ext. 6238.

        

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