A STAA truck route — a designation that allows longer truck trailers to legally use a surface street — is before the Manteca City Council for adoption when they meet tonight.

The 1992 federal Surface Transportation Assistance Act accommodated longer truck trailers on the interstate freeway system than  allowed on California streets.

In order for the longer trucks trailers to operate, local jurisdictions must adopt STAA routes that accommodate turning radius considerations.

The new designation is for Mellon Avenue and Bessemer Avenue in the Manteca Industrial Park.

It will connect with an existing STAA route that runs from Highway 99 to the 120 Bypass via Yosemite Avenue-Spreckels Avenue-Industrial Park Drive-South Main Street.

The designation is required before the longer trucks can legally access a 53-space parking lot in existence at Carnegie and Mellon.

The developer of the parking lot will pay for all signage.

The impact is expected to be minimal given the connection to the existing STAA.

There is also a 30-stall truck trailer parking lot along Industrial Park Drive.

The council meets tonight at 6 p.m. at the Civic Center, 1001 W Center St.

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com