I have been reading all the coverage, letters to the editor and a recent editorial about Milton’s traffic issues. One additional traffic concern that must also be addressed is the growing number of trucks using the town’s main gateways as a cut-through.
Eighteen-wheelers in particular have no business going through downtown, just feet away from people’s homes and local businesses. I have witnessed trucks go up on our sidewalks. Yes, I fully understand that some trucks may have to make local deliveries. But the majority are not making deliveries in the historic downtown area.
The truck signage at Route 16 and Union Street, for example, is abysmal. And there just doesn’t seem to be any type of visible truck traffic enforcement. Along with many other neighbors with whom I have spoken about this issue, I strongly urge DelDOT to work immediately with our newly elected state representatives and our own town council to officially ban trucks of a certain size and provide clear information about what kinds of smaller trucks can use the roads through town. It is one thing to have a car go over 25 mph through town, but a semi going that same speed at 6 a.m. is quite a different story.
The increased truck traffic is not only a safety issue, it is also a quality-of-life issue for residents who live on the main gateways (Mulberry, Union and Federal streets). For those who may be reading this thinking, “So, don’t live on a main road in town,” what historic charm would be left if all of us thought that way? And what would happen to local businesses? It’s time for leaders in power to strategically address this ever-growing problem before it truly ruins our town and a terrible tragedy occurs.
Amalia Kastberg
Milton
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