Heavy Trucking Ban to Take Effect on Some Merrimac Roads

MERRIMAC — The Merrimac Department of Public Works and Merrimac Police Department announce that a heavy truck ban will take effect later this month on select roads in town. 

Beginning Aug. 15, trucks with a carrying capacity of 2.5 tons or more will be banned from Hadley Road, West Hadley Road, Birch Meadow Road and Heath Road. The Board of Selectmen approved the exclusion on July 12, and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation recently granted final authorization for the exclusion. 

The exclusion was developed over the course of two years following extensive work by the Merrimac DPW,  which was done in consultation with the City of Haverhill and the Town of Newton, New Hampshire. Once it takes effect, only trucks directly servicing properties on those roads for pickups or deliveries will be allowed access. 

“We are pleased to be able to respond to the concerns of residents in our community and take an active step to prevent the disruption and damage to roadways caused by these large vehicles passing through our neighborhoods,” Department of Public Works Director Robert Sinibaldi said. “This is the result of a collaborative effort by our community and the communities of Haverhill and Newton, and I am grateful for their participation and partnership.” 

Signage will be installed prior to the Aug. 15 effective date of the regulations. 

“This step will make our roads and neighborhoods safer for residents and motorists alike,” Sgt. David Vance said. “We appreciate the input residents have provided throughout this process, and are confident that this will have a positive impact on the quality of life here in Merrimac.” 

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