The County of Lambton hopes to enforce a ban of heavy truck traffic through downtown Petrolia.
A motion unanimously passed at a county committee meeting Wednesday morning to begin a two-year pilot project on Petrolia Line, once construction finishes late this summer or early fall.
The full council is to consider the matter at its May 4 meeting.
Rosanne Orcutt, a Petrolia resident for 47 years, has seen truck traffic increase considerably over the years. She's very pleased the proposed ban has won support at the committee level.
"People in Petrolia are very worried about the safety aspect. On a good day, 50 of these heavy trucks go through the heart of Petrolia. On a bad day, up to 200 of them," she says. "It's a catastrophe waiting to happen and people know that."
It's likely trucks will be rerouted to other county roads including Mandaumin Rd., Churchill Line and Courtright Line. Trucks with local deliveries would still be permitted.
Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley's motion also includes a review after one year of the project.
"Having truck traffic day and night going up and down that street does not help the ambiance and the cultural part of that community," he says. "I mean, the buildings shake. The noise for the customers is very difficult," says Orcutt, happy to hear the committee acknowledge the revitalization of downtown Petrolia.
St. Clair Township Mayor Steve Arnold suggested clearly marked signage would need to be installed.
It's intended the road reopen after construction with a fresh start and new rules.
