As Washington City Residents, we hereby exercise our First Amendment right to petition, and plead with our city officials to partner with us taking action to prohibit oversized semi-truck traffic within the residential zone of Country Way, between Washington Dam Road and Plant Drive. 

Everyday there are large semi-trucks by the hundreds taking detours through our residential neighborhood on Country Way, and barreling through stop signs by the Sunrise Valley city park where our children play. For the thousands of residents living in the Sunrise Valley neighborhoods, Country Way is the main access road to and from our homes. It is essential that this road be made safe for our residential use.  We already endure and completely understand that there is going to be some large truck and equipment traffic that has to do business in the residential area inwhich we live due to home construction or essential public works.  This is not what our petition is about. 

There are oversized semi-trucks that are using our residential street as a detour route.  Many of these semi-trucks have loads of dirt and rock that are not covered, causing potential hazards and significant damage to our community access bridge and to our streets.  Many residents have had car windshields cracked by a rock that flew off a semi-truck. Many residents have experienced near accidents with these trucks, which oftentimes do not come to a complete stop at the stop signs along our main access road.  Many of the oversized semi trucks carry two or three trailers that come through every day on Country Way, and are 65 to 100 feet long and cannot safely make the wide turns that they need to.  They have been seen turning up onto sidewalks, running over community signs, nearly missing pedestrians and causing safety issues on our residential streets. At various times there have been large semi trucks parked in the bicycle lane, sticking out over the white line, making cars have to go around it.  Recently, there was one semi with three trailers parked in the bicycle lane for several hours right outside the park.   One morning, one of the trucks broke down by the bridge, causing a significant traffic jam making many residents delayed and late to their destinations. 

According to city code 5-2-4, sections A-F (Ordinance 212-02,2-8-2012);  City officials have the authority to Restrict, Prohibit, and/or set Limitations as to the type of vehicles and the weight and length thereof, on designated streets, within the corporate limits of the city, over which the city has jurisdiction. The city manager or other city department has authority to post signs, and enforce fines to keep these oversized, and hazardous semi-trucks out of our neighborhood.  This will not only protect residents from potential accidents but also preserve the condition of our neighborhoods.

According to the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, heavy trucks are responsible for the majority of pavement damage on roadways. Redirecting these trucks to more appropriate routes can significantly reduce wear and tear, saving the city maintenance costs in the long run.

We furthermore oppose the immediate approval of the current application submitted by JP Excavating, proposing to excavate and remove soil on 31.17 acres from the Hillside Overlay Zone, which poses more health and safety concerns by transporting millions of tons of dirt, bringing more debri, rocks, and dust, by blasting and excavating. This will only increase loads carried by more oversized trucks through our neighborhood, unless something is done in advance to mitigate this problem. Therefore, we ask that the city allow for adequate time for due diligence to do professional surveys, appropriate research and studies, Geotechnical testing, and air quality tests, thus allowing time to discover and consider the impact that this proposed excavation will cause by stirring up the soil, adding more semi truck traffic, more potential hazards, and increased health and safety issues in our community, and enforcing ordinances to mitigate this concern prior to approving the application.  Important Safety Note: Because the soil in this area is high in silica, activities that create dust—such as construction, or excavation, in dry conditions—can release respirable crystalline silica, which is hazardous if inhaled. 

More importantly, by taking action, we prioritize the safety of our children and citizens. A report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration highlights the risks posed by large vehicles failing to stop or maneuver safely in residential areas.

City Council officials, it's time to partner with residents to prioritize the safety and well-being of our neighborhood. Simple steps like posting clear signage and issuing fines can deter these trucks from using residential roads and make a considerable difference.

Sign this petition to urge the city council of Washington City, to act swiftly. Let’s work together to create a safer, more peaceful neighborhood for everyone. Your support is crucial in making this change happen. Please sign and share with your neighbors today!