Henderson County debates new speed limit proposal for County Roads 4330 and 4331

The Henderson County Commissioners Court convened on July 10, 2025, to address several community concerns, primarily focusing on the proposed speed limit for County Roads 4330 and 4331. The meeting began with public comments regarding the noise from ATVs during the Easter season, highlighting community frustrations about noise levels and the need for local residents to address such issues collectively.

The primary agenda item involved a public hearing on setting a speed limit of 30 miles per hour on the aforementioned roads. Several residents voiced their opinions during the hearing, with many expressing that the proposed limit was too low. One resident, living near the area, argued that a speed limit of 35 or even 40 miles per hour would be more appropriate, citing the difficulty of maintaining 30 miles per hour on the winding roads. Another resident echoed this sentiment, stating that the current speed limit signs were insufficient and that the lack of clear signage contributed to confusion about the speed limits.

Commissioner Richardson explained that the existing speed limit of 35 miles per hour had never been legally established through the proper channels, making it unenforceable. He emphasized the importance of formalizing the speed limit to ensure safety and compliance, especially given concerns about large vehicles, such as feed trucks, using the roads.

The court discussed the legal implications of speed limits, with the county attorney clarifying that without a properly posted limit, the default speed limit could be as high as 60 miles per hour. This raised concerns about safety, particularly on the curvy and hilly terrain of the roads in question.

After hearing from the public and discussing the legal framework, the court moved to close the public hearing and consider the proposed speed limit. A motion was made and seconded to close the hearing, which passed unanimously. The court is expected to deliberate further on the appropriate speed limit for County Roads 4330 and 4331 in light of the community feedback and legal requirements.

In conclusion, the meeting highlighted the community's concerns regarding road safety and noise, as well as the need for proper legal procedures in establishing speed limits. The court's next steps will involve determining a speed limit that balances safety with the practical realities of road use in the area.