Tennessee to ban big trucks on The Dragon
December 4, 2014 7:31 AM
By The Associated Press By ERIK SCHELZIG (Associated Press)
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - (AP) -- Tennessee is banning trucks longer than 30 feet from using a twisty stretch of U.S. Route 129 that is known as The Dragon.
The truck ban is welcome news to motorcyclists and sports car enthusiasts who travel long distances to experience the mountain road famous for its 318 curves in 11 miles along the western edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Ron Johnson, the owner of the Tail of the Dragon gift store near Robbinsville, North Carolina, called the decision "long overdue" because tractor-trailers pulling through tight turns can block both lanes of traffic and force cars and motorcycles off the road.
"I've had three close calls on the Dragon, where I'm in the ditch and can't get any further over," he said. "And trucks come through and miss me by an inch."
"People contact me all the time wanting to know if they still allow trucks on the Dragon, because they're not going to come if they still do," he said.
Signs detailing the new truck ban will be installed in mid-January.
http://www.newsday.com/travel/tennessee-to-ban-big-trucks-on-the-dragon-1.9679842
Tennessee to ban big trucks on The Dragon
Discussion in 'Trucking Industry Regulations' started by gpsman, Dec 4, 2014.
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How's the store owner going to get his stock
What a douchee -
He's a retired fireman from florida who makes money selling stickers and tshirts to people who come to use that road.
I've only seen an occasional day cab pulling a 40 ft reefer using that road, headed to supermarkets in robbinsville. The only big trucks you see on that road that cause problems will be the ones signs won't stop anyway.
The cars, motorhomes,and bikes are just as prone to be using both lanes on that stretch.stabob, gpsman and The Challenger Thank this. -
I thought they banned them some time ago.
Would like to go and see that. Love twisty roads. -
I hope they have a place to turn around, or signs put up early that allow trucks to make a U-turn or turn around before hand. No, there shouldn't be any trucks on this road. It's not safe for the driver or other motorists.
gpsman Thanks this. -
I grew up in Maryville, TN just 30 miles N of the dragon. I remember before it was discoved by the motorcycle world who coined the name. I used to camp & fish up there as a teenager. As far back as I can remember, it had always been a restricted route. I have also delivered up there to one of ALCOA's power house facilities. Although I was driving a one ton truck with a 14' flatbed. No way in hell I'd go up there by myself in anything longer than 30' without police escort anyway.
Last edited: Dec 4, 2014
gpsman Thanks this. -
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I've ridden there the trucks never bothered me. If I encounter one just pull over give him space to move along give him a wave then keep it moving. The problem is these bone head riders that think they're AMA pros trying to drag their knees taking up the inside lane on a left hander
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I remember a video of a Swift driver going down the dragon once.
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