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Commission allows temporary signage for resident to block muddy section line access
Summary
The commission agreed to allow a landowner to request temporary road‑closed signage on a section line when conditions make travel unsafe or cause crop/field damage, provided the request is submitted in writing and proper barricades are used.
The Williams County commissioners voted to allow a township landowner to request temporary section‑line access control with official road‑closed signage when seasonal conditions make the route impassable and cause damage to fields.
Commissioners discussed legal constraints for section lines, with county legal counsel Karen explaining that section lines are generally public and cannot be closed or obstructed without a formal petition to the road authority. Commissioners said temporary closures or barricades have been used in practice when roads are impassable, but emphasized a documented request is required.
Barry said a farmer asked for temporary restriction to prevent damage when fields are sloppy; the farmer preferred signage rather than physically blocking the road. Karen recommended the landowner submit a written request to the township board; highway staff said type‑3 barricades and proper signs are typically used for temporary closures.
A motion to permit county highway to loan or place temporary signage on a section line upon receipt of a written request was moved and seconded; the board approved the motion on a roll call vote. Commissioners stressed the process must be documented and coordinated with county highway to avoid arbitrary or unauthorized obstructions.
The decision does not change statutory procedures governing section lines; the board directed staff to accept written requests and coordinate barricading and signage as appropriate.
