OAK HILL, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A problem that has plagued communities along West Virginia Route 61 may soon be resolved thanks to a bill introduced in the House of Delegates.
Those who travel along WV Route 61 between Montgomery and Oak Hill are all too familiar with the issue of large semi-trucks creating issues along the narrow and curvy road.
From jackknifing at the Deepwater curve or forcing vehicles off of the roadway, the issue has become not only a disruption but a safety hazard as well.
Delegate Elliott Pritt (R-Fayette) has been working on a solution to this problem since being elected to the House.
He has received multiple photos and stories from constituents who have encountered the dangers semi-trucks pose traveling this road.
Pritt says that ever since the increase of tolls on West Virginia’s Turnpike system, over-the-road trucking companies have directed their drivers to avoid toll roads at all costs.
“People are missing work, doctor’s appointments and students are missing whole days of school due to this issue,” Pritt said. “Right now there are only “advisory” signs stating “Rt. 61 Not Suitable for Large Trucks.”
“These advisory signs carry no regulatory weight and they carry no penalties for noncompliance, they are merely a ‘suggestion.’”
Pritt states that the West Virginia Legislature can direct the West Virginia Department of Transportation (WVDOT) to regulate this section of Route 61 between Montgomery and Oak Hill.
He has since introduced House Bill 4942 which would do just that.
The bill, if passed, would prohibit a vehicle or combination of vehicles coupled together, whose length is in excess of 50 feet traveling on Route 61 between Oak Hill and Montgomery.
“I have a responsibility to look out for the well-being and safety of the people I represent. This is occurring daily–and that is not an exaggeration,” Pritt explained. “Law enforcement, the local VFDs, and all the surrounding municipal governments are behind this regulation and are asking for it to happen.”
The municipalities of Oak Hill, Montgomery, and Smithers have all submitted letters of support for regulation on the roadway.
“There are alternate routes for these trucks that take an equivalent amount of time they could take. People have been seriously hurt, cars have been totaled, kids are missing school or late for school or coming home, emergency services are blocked frequently, and the problem isn’t slowing down,” Pritt said. “It’s getting worse. Let’s get it fixed!”
HB 4942 is currently in the House Technology and Infrastructure Committee.