Canonsburg Mulling Weight Restrictions for Gladden; McEwen

Council on Monday discussed setting a weight limit for Gladden Road and McEwen Avenue—but is still mulling whether it should be 15 or 18 tons.

Councilman John Bevec, who serves as the borough's road and infrastructure committee chair, said research shows that raising the weight limit from 15 to 18 tons would decrease the life of the throughway by 5 percent.

But he cautioned council not to make the limits too restrictive because it could "force businesses out."

Councilman A.J. Williams, though, wondered who would enforce the limits once they were set.

That's when Mayor David H. Rhome spoke up, saying the police department was investigating sending one of its officers to classes that would certify him in enforcing weights and measures.

Then there was the issue of equipment—the scales needed for enforcement efforts.

But borough Manager Terry Hazlett said that nearby was willing to help the community out with that.

"Cecil is willing to share its scales with us," he told council. "They were very much in favor of us setting a limit. They said they would work with us."

But Councilman George Coleman thought setting a limit on Gladden and McEwen, while needed, didn't address "the totality of the problem."

He said once truck drivers who disobey the limit know enforcement efforts are afoot, they will find alternate routes to their destinations.

"You are going to have the burden placed on other roads," he said.

But members of council and solicitor Pat Derrico said the ordinance could be amended again when limits for other roads are needed.

Councilman Joe Milioto asked Hazlett to get more information from Cecil, and the manager will work with Rhome and the police department to attain a cost estimate for the training associated with the enforcement.

Williams also asked for information about what the standard weight is for different vehicles—everything from cement trucks to garbage trucks—so council can have a better idea prior to a vote.

Council next week is expected to approve the advertisement of the ordinance.

Editor's Note: Council next meets at 7 p.m. Monday in the borough building.