CIRCLEVILLE, Ohio — Motorists traveling along route 23 in Circleville have become increasingly concerned as 18 wheelers cause traffic tie-ups, and according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, there has been an increase in tractor-trailer-related incidents in the area.
The Guardian received images from an incident on route 23 over the weekend. The images show a semi attempting to exit a trailer drop-off yard on route 23, which caused the north and southbound lanes to become blocked.
According to witnesses, the 18 wheeler pulled out in front of oncoming traffic, which resulted in motorists slamming on their brakes and nearly causing a crash.
“I’ve seen it happen many times over the past year,” said one motorist. “I drive back and forth to Columbus a lot, and those truckers will pull out heading south, and then they have to do a u-turn to start heading north.”
The Guardian spoke with Venture/TransCorr, L.L.C., the company that owns the tractor-trailer shown in the picture.
“We were unaware of the hazard presented by the location of our customer’s drop lot and we will find an alternative route for him to take. We are advocates for highway safety and committed to making the roads a safer place for all travelers.”
In an online post, a long-time resident of the area said, “I see this happen all the time, along route 23.”
Many in the community feel that more directional signage or additional turning lanes would help truck drivers navigate this portion of route 23.
One local truck driver told the Guardian, “That is a tough spot to make a left-hand turn. If you have a longer trailer or your tandems are further back it becomes very difficult.”
The Guardian reached out to the owners of the property where the semi departed from to see if they have any recommendations on what can be done to make this portion of route 23 safer for motorists and truck drivers. The company declined an interview.