Trucks making wrong turns tear up yards on southwest side

INDIANAPOLIS - Big trucks are causing a big mess, and homeowners on the southwest side of Indianapolis want some relief.




"I've had to call three police escorts to have truckers escorted out," said Edie Gray.




Edie is getting frustrated and has yet to hear from the trucking company whose driver drove into her yard, causing unwanted ruts. Edie placed huge yellow rocks along her property on the 5000 block of Concord Street near Epler to stop any other trucks from landing in her yard.

"I painted them all yellow so they could see them. They are still riding along the edges of the rocks."




Another homeowner has placed more than 30 rocks around his property in the Sunshine Gardens subdivision.

• 

• 

People blame the I-69 project for contributing to the increase in truckers ending up in their neighborhood.




INDOT sent a statement about the issue. In part, INDOT said, "Trucking associations, companies, etc. receive information about traffic configuration changes and road closures through regular INDOT channels (i.e. news releases and social media accounts). I can confirm that the main mapping/navigation apps have updated to current configurations following the opening of I-69 and the new interchange."




FOX59/CBS4 asked whether more signage would assist in this situation. There is a sign that warns truck drivers that there is an "11,000-pound weight limit" on the road.




But when it comes to more signs, INDOT said all interstate signs are installed per federal regulations while signs within a subdivision are controlled by local ordinances.




The Indianapolis Department of Public Works confirmed a city ordinance currently restricts weight limits on Concord Street between Banta and Epler roads.




"Restricting heavy loads on Concord Street north of Epler Road would require an ordinance change, and a further review of the new roadway network following interstate construction - as well as existing roadway conditions - would need to be completed prior to any ordinance change," the city said in a statement.




Dave Hollandsworth showed us some of the ruts caused by a truck that drove into his lawn. He's lived here for 23 years.




"They can't make the corners. They have to drive through the yards. We are in a field protection zone, an 11,000-pound area. I have a constant flow of 53-foot trucks. I don't know how much damage they are doing to the wells," said Hollandsworth.




People who live in the Sunshine Gardens subdivision said they can't afford that expense.




"Everything is happier until the trucker comes. They take our yards. It's pretty bad," said Gray.




As of May 6, Gray reports another 10 semis have rolled into her neighborhood.




FOX59/CBS4 continues to see what options are available to stop the damage being done in this neighborhood and is working with Gray to make sure the company that damaged her yard pays for the repairs.



via: https://fox59.com/news/call-rafael/trucks-making-wrong-turns-tear-up-yards-on-southwest-side/