Riverside residents press commission for road repairs, restored school bus route and promised Wi-Fi

Residents of Riverside and nearby streets told the Limestone County Commission on Aug. 4 that long-running road damage has worsened, leaving potholes they said reach about 6 inches deep and forcing the school bus to stop serving parts of the neighborhood. "We've taken pictures of them, and they're 6 inches below grade in the potholes," said Art Way, a Riverside resident. Jason Jackson said heavy truck traffic has worsened the paving and that a rock damaged a water line near his driveway. Harold Booth, who described himself as a heart patient, told the commission that hitting potholes can be a medical hazard: "Every time you hit one of those potholes, you jiggle," he said, referring to how the jolts affect his implanted defibrillator. Booth and others said school children now have to walk to Cox Road to catch the bus because vehicles will not travel down the damaged stretch. Residents also asked the commission about a previously announced community Wi-Fi program. "You told me it was coming really soon. Well, that was like three or four years ago, and we haven't even come close yet," Booth said. Why it matters: Residents said the road condition affects safety, emergency response, and access to school transportation for children. They asked the county to assess and schedule repairs beyond temporary patches. Details and next steps: Commissioners and county staff were told the last substantial road work was a tar-and-chip treatment roughly 10 to 14 years ago and that repeated water-line repairs have left the surface undermined in places. County engineering staff present described ongoing paving schedules elsewhere and invited residents to follow up with county engineers about potential projects. Ending: Commissioners did not take a formal vote during the work session; residents were encouraged to submit follow-up requests so the county can evaluate repair needs and timing.