In a May 29^th letter, NYC transportation commissioner Weinshall stated that the truck route project first conceived by the NYC DOT in 1999 (MTR #215) has been substantially reworked in response to community and elected official concerns.

Originally, the study of truck routes was designed to move trucks faster and thus qualify the project for U.S. “Congestion Mitigation/Air Quality” funds.Noting that speeding trucks would likely result in more accidents and inappropriate routing, community groups asked that the study be changed to emphasise safety and reduced community truck impacts.

The new study will focus on “coordinating engineering, educational, informational and enforcement efforts so that trucks remain on designated truck routes…and do not inappropriately utilize ‘community streets.’”The letter further states that the department will consider traffic calming to reinforce truck routes and that there will be greater community outreach than conceived under the original study.

The project will use safety funds from the federal Surface Transportation Program.The new RFP will come out during the summer and a consultant will be chosen in early fall.The Department expects work to begin in spring 2002.

Truck Issues: Pedestrians, Pollution, and Property - April 9, 1999

Politicians Want Better Routes - June 4, 1999

City Truck Revision Still Stalled - February 11, 2000

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