NORTHFIELD — The state Department of Transportation (MassDOT) has agreed to conduct a speed study and re-evaluate speed limits on Main Street (Routes 10 and 63) at the town’s request.
The request, submitted to MassDOT by Town Administrator Andrea Llamas and the Selectboard, comes following complaints from residents last summer regarding excessive engine brake noise from truck drivers. However, the town’s second proposal to post signs forbidding the use of engine brakes on Main Street was not received favorably by the state.
“MassDOT policy is to not post ‘No Engine Braking’ signs on interstates or other primary and secondary state highways,” reads a letter to Llamas from Patricia Leavenworth, MassDOT’s acting district highway director. “As current federal commercial motor vehicle regulations mandate the inclusion of engine braking systems as a safety and fuel economy device on large trucks and other commercial vehicles, states and communities cannot enact laws that prohibit or restrict the use of these devices by drivers. Therefore, any posted restrictions on engine braking would have no legal standing and are unenforceable by the police.”
The letter, which can be viewed on the Northfield town website, goes on to say that while MassDOT is aware that some Massachusetts municipalities have placed “No Engine Braking” signs on roads that are under their jurisdiction, “we consistently advise against installation of such signs.”
Northfield’s proposal to post “No Engine Braking” signs and to conduct a speed study was prompted by initial complaints from Joanne and Bill McGee, who came before the Selectboard last June to speak about excessive engine brake noise from truck drivers traveling along Main Street and Route 142. After discussion among board members, the Selectboard and Llamas collected additional comments from residents. According to Llamas, more than 20 residents submitted complaints by mail, phone, email or in person.
Although MassDOT’s letter is dated Sept. 3, Llamas said she did not receive it until recently, and conveyed the response to the Selectboard last week.
“Unfortunately, for those people that this affects along Main Street,” Selectboard Chair Heath Cummings summarized, “it looks like we have no enforcement power. We are powerless.”
“I’m so sad for the citizens affected by the noise and the speed,” added member Mary Bowen.
Llamas and board members were encouraged, however, by the promise of a speed study, which Leavenworth wrote will be conducted “as soon as schedules permit.” Leavenworth states a speed study is required before establishing or altering a speed limit.
“If people approaching the intersection were going a little slower, maybe they wouldn’t have to throw the brake on as often,” Llamas noted.
Llamas said she intends to check in regularly with MassDOT to ensure the speed study occurs.
Reach Shelby Ashline at 413-772-0261, ext. 270 or sashline@recorder.com.