Huntertown Road safety concerns spark urgent community action

During a recent government meeting, officials discussed ongoing safety concerns regarding Huntertown Road, particularly in relation to pedestrian crossings and traffic management near local schools. Squire Blackford reported that the road department had met with Adam Kirk from the University of Kentucky, who provided a memorandum addressing these safety issues. The memorandum was received shortly before the meeting, and Blackford emphasized the need for the court to review it thoroughly.

In the first four days of the school year, police presence at Huntertown School reportedly resulted in no traffic-related incidents, a point noted by Blackford. He has been in discussions with local law enforcement and school officials, including Superintendent Danny Atkins, to address safety at the school entrance and along Huntertown Road.

Squire Gill raised concerns about the speed limit on a one-mile stretch of Huntertown Road, which currently fluctuates between 25 and 35 miles per hour. He highlighted the presence of multiple intersections, private driveways, and the proximity of schools and churches, suggesting that lowering the speed limit to 25 miles per hour throughout this section could enhance safety. Gill noted that traffic studies conducted in the area did not adequately reflect the speeding issues that occur as drivers leave the more urbanized section of the road.

Squire Blackford echoed these sentiments, advocating for additional traffic control measures, such as stop signs and speed limit adjustments, to improve safety for pedestrians and schoolchildren. Both officials expressed a sense of urgency in addressing these concerns, particularly in light of anticipated future developments that could increase traffic in the area.

The court plans to further evaluate the information presented, including Kirk's memorandum and feedback from constituents, as they continue to prioritize safety improvements along Huntertown Road and its surrounding areas.