Manteca is preparing to address truck issues throughout Manteca.
Acting City Manager Greg Showerman has outlined a holistic approach to trucking issues that balances safety, quality of life, and economic considerations in response to citizens concerns about growing truck traffic on Lathrop Road.
As one example, in recent weeks with the opening of the United Parcel Service distribution center on Harlan Road in Lathrop residents have noticed an increase in UPS semi-truck traffic on Lathrop Road.
Showerman Monday said he’s advocating for the city to address truck movements along the Lathrop Road corridor while also taking into consideration other streets that would be impacted with any changes on the major east-west road that goes from Interstate 5 to Highway 99.
That would entail a full truck assessment study to designate truck routes throughout Manteca’s city limits.
Showerman said he is hoping to sit down soon with Mayor Steve DeBrum and the Community Development Department to discuss the starting point for such an endeavor.
Currently there is no weight limits for trucks using Lathrop Road in Manteca. Residents have been expressing concerns about increased truck traffic and related noise, safety issues, speeding in general, as well as the wear and tear on the pavement. One complaint — motorists ignoring school buses stopped along Lathrop Road when they have their red lights flashing to allow students to embark and disembark — has already been brought to the Manteca Police Department’s attention.
Showerman said he wants to see the city address the entire stretch of Lathrop Road through Manteca at one time as well as work with the City of Lathrop so all issues all are addressed as they relate to truck traffic between Interstate 5 and Highway 99.
The acting city manager believes some of the issues can be addressed by amending the municipal code through the public hearing process.
He noted the city needs to make sure economic considerations are taken into such as trucks being able to legally go to and from business parks that are providing jobs as well as making sure vehicle weight restrictions exeptions are considered for local deliveries to business such as Raley’s and other stores.
Among concerns outlined by Showerman are:
uTraffic signals could be placed along Lathrop Road to help slow traffic. One possible place is at the intersection with Madison Grove where Manteca Fire Station No. 4 is located.
uLimiting truck traffic on Lathrop Road could push it onto other Manteca streets.
uThe city needs to address other areas such as Airport Way where truck traffic may be problematic.
Showerman also believes the city needs to coordinate with the San Joaquin Council of Governments Movement Task Force that consists primarily of trucking company representatives. Kim Kloeb of the SJCOG noted the task force chairman — Al Nunes of Manteca’s AC Truckling — sees Lathrop Road as a strategic Surface Transportation Association Act (STAA) route.

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwuayy@mantecabuleltin.com