State and local officials gathered at Morrisville Borough municipal building to review and discuss results of a ban on trucks traveling on S. Pennsylvania Avenue.
In a joint release last fall with PennDOT, state Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) announced during his annual road tour, trucks weighing more than 10 tons would soon be prohibited on the apparent favored path to their final destination more often than not in Falls Township.
“The issue of excessive truck traffic in Morrisville Borough impacted the daily lives of residents for far too long,” Santarsiero said. “Working closely with Morrisville Borough and PennDOT, we’ve been able to find a solution that will alleviate the issue for residents along South Pennsylvania Avenue and protect the busy road from damage by heavy trucks.”
S. Penna Ave into Morrisville Credit: Joanne Ames-LBS
Since the ban went into effect, commercial truck traffic in Morrisville Borough has significantly declined, officials said, crediting the police department’s proactive approach to first educating truckers in the weeks leading up to the ordinance being enacted and issuing dozens of written warnings.
“We began with educating drivers throughout December, making sure commercial businesses knew about the forthcoming enforcement. Enforcement began in January and to date, we have stopped more than 300 trucks and have issued 228 citations,” said Police Chief Rich Ciampa.
Fines can be as much as $1,000.00 with a significant majority of those funds, because it is an ordinance violation, going directly into the borough’s bank account.
After PennDOT installed signage, the regulation took effect in December. S. Pennsylvania Avenue has signs warning that trucks weighing more than 10 tons are not permitted to drive on the residential street.
“I have seen a huge reduction in trucks on my street. I understand more has to be done, but it is great to see us moving in a positive direction,” said Joe M., a resident on S. Pennsylvania Avenue.
S. Penna Ave into Morrisville Credit: Joanne Ames-LBS
“Today represents an important milestone in our effort to combat excessive truck traffic in Morrisville. Working together with state and local officials, Morrisville Police as well as Northpoint and Waste Management, the erection of signage limiting the weight of vehicles on Pennsylvania Avenue is another part of the solution to the truck traffic, combating a significant issue for Morrisville. As a result, the residents of Morrisville have begun to see reduced truck traffic along Pennsylvania avenue, increasing quality of life and safety in Morrisville.” said state Rep. Jim Prokopiak (D-140).
“I can never express in words the gratitude to Senator Santarsiero and his staff, and especially PennDOT in their willingness to listen and hear our concerns and find solutions that help improve the quality of life in Morrisville Borough, especially the First Ward. There are no better partners in making this happen,” Council President Helen Hlahol said.
Borough officials have received support and assistance from Waste Management and NorthPoint Development at the former U.S. Steel site. Waste Management provided Morrisville Borough with $65,000 in 2023 and 2024 to cover Motor Carrier Officer costs. NorthPoint provided the officer with a Chevrolet Tahoe. Motor Carrier Officers inspect commercial trucks for safety and weight compliance.
“If you have concerns, bring them to the Borough,” said Mayor Gary Wallace. “This is a prime example of residents voicing their concerns, and the Borough and elected officials taking action to help residents.”
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Credit: Joanne Ames-LBS