The 3-ton weight limit on the Madison-Milton bridge is having a tremendous economic impact on several local businesses whose delivery trucks must take a longer route, the Main Street Program president said.
Bob Ems asked the mayor and City Council members Tuesday night to use their positions as "opinion leaders" to encourage residents "to spend more of their money on our local merchants to cushion this blow."
The longer route takes more fuel, and that raises the costs and lowers the profits for the businesses, he said.
Ems said A. Dattilo's Fruit Co. has a contract with Trimble County schools, but its delivery truck has to go to Vevay, cross the bridge at Markland Dam cross Carroll County to get to Trimble County, then repeat the route to return to Madison.
Greves TV and Appliances also has to go around to make deliveries. Hilltop businesses such as Lowe's and Furniture Liquidators also have to travel farther for deliveries across the river, he said.
The weight limit will be on the bridge until the new structure is in place. The new bridge is expected to be open early next year.
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