State Senator Thomas J. Herlihy, R-Simbury, is calling for an immediate moratorium on truck travel on Avon Mountain following this morning’s horrific accident at the intersection of Rt. 10 and Rt. 44 in Avon.  Sen. Herlihy said that he believes the only way to ensure the public’s safety is to prohibit large trucks from traveling the roadway. 

“This is unacceptable.  I do not think anything more needs be said or done to prove that this road is too dangerous for trucks,” said Sen. Herlihy.  “Public safety needs to be ensured and as long as this road remains open to truck travel that safety is obviously jeopardized.”

Following this morning’s accident, Sen. Herlihy wrote a letter to Department of Transportation Commissioner Ralph J. Carpenter requesting the moratorium.  In light of today’s events, Sen. Herlihy is hopeful that the commissioner will grant his request.   “With all of the safety initiates we have put forth over the last two years to improve the safety of the road it is clear that more needs to be done.  The haunting pictures of today’s accident scene are beyond convincing and we need to act immediately.”

Sen. Herlihy said he wants an emergency meeting of the Avon Mountain Accident Task Force that he helped create in response to the July 29, 2005 accident that left four people dead.  Today’s accident occurred at the same intersection.  “The tragic accidents of the last several years have highlighted the dangerous nature of this section of roadway and this matter needs serious consideration before more lives are lost. We must explore every option available to us to improve the safety of this area,” said Sen. Herlihy.

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