Large trucks to be limited on campus

A pilot policy to reduce large truck traffic on campus began today, March 10, with the goals of increasing pedestrian safety, decreasing traffic congestion, and extending the life of campus streets.

According to the policy, adopted by the Campus Planning Committee for an 18-month period, trucks longer than 30 feet (tractor trailers) with non-perishable goods will not be allowed on Observatory Drive at all and only before 8:30 a.m. and after 3:30 p.m. on Linden Drive and Babcock Drive.

Traffic on non-campus streets, primarily south of University Avenue, will not be affected.

“We hope people will see the coming year as an opportunity to improve campus delivery systems, street safety and traffic congestion at the same time,” says Lori Kay, director of UW–Madison Transportation Services.

Materials Distribution Services, 2102 Wright St., will become a greater delivery focal point, with vendors encouraged to drop off goods there, Kay says. MDS will guarantee delivery without additional charge within two working days. Since many large semis are only bringing one carton or small order at a time to any one building, this policy will allow for more efficient campus deliveries.

The policy permits smaller “straight truck” vehicles under 30 feet, such as step vans and panel trucks. It also allows some special cases such as perishable food deliveries, construction and moving semis. The policy states that new buildings to be constructed on campus will not have large truck docks unless specifically approved by the Campus Planning Committee.

Notices have been sent to vendors and campus departments for implementation effective today, March 10. During the pilot, voluntary compliance will be sought, though problems with specific carriers may be addressed individually. The entire policy and campus map with street restrictions noted can be found on the Transportation Services web site.

The policy will be reviewed for possible extension in 2001 by the Campus Planning Committee and the campus Purchasing Policy development group. It was developed by an ad hoc committee comprised of representatives from Transportation Services, Space Management, University Housing, Wisconsin Union, Materials Distribution Services and Physical Plant.