Residents press council for truck weight limits on Eagle Drive; police, public works to propose signage and ordinance

Bruceville-Eddy — Residents and council members told the city on Sept. 26 that pass-through 18-wheeler traffic is damaging yards, drainage infrastructure and a small bridge on Eagle Drive and 4th Street, and poses safety risks near school pickup and narrow curves.

City Administrator Kent Manton said complaints prompted the agenda item and that options include targeted signage, increased enforcement, portable barricades for temporary reroutes when I‑35 traffic is diverted, and purchasing portable scales — though scales were described as cost-prohibitive. Chief Michael Dorsey recommended beginning with signage and portable barricades and said officers could document truck logbooks and manifests when a stop yields weight questions.

Multiple residents described trucks driving across private yards because of tight turning radii and a low-power line over Eagle Drive, and asked that the city prioritize vulnerable locations and the bridge over Eagle for any weight restrictions. The chief said a local ordinance will be needed to enforce weight limits and that staff will draft language and return with a recommended number and placement of signs. Council also requested options for volunteer traffic marshals or certified local volunteers to assist with temporary traffic control during incidents.

No binding ordinance was adopted at the meeting; staff will return with an enforcement plan, number and placement of signs, and draft ordinance language for council consideration.