Residents raise debris and pothole concerns on US 278; city staff explains state and county maintenance roles

A resident told the City of Hiram council that debris remains in median and intersection areas and said the roadway “doesn't seem that it's kept up.” City staff responded that U.S. 278 (also referred to in the meeting as Georgia 6) is a state route maintained by the state of Georgia and that the city does not perform routine maintenance on state rights of way. Staff encouraged residents to file work-order requests with the state and said the city can also submit requests for issues that constitute a safety hazard.

Why it matters: Clarifying which agency maintains a road helps residents know where to direct reports about trash, potholes, and right-of-way maintenance. The distinction determines which government entity will be responsible for repair work and how quickly issues may be addressed.

Details from the meeting: A citizen comment at the 514.56–527.70 second block raised concerns about debris in medians and intersections. Staff member Jody (speaker) said the city would speak after the meeting and explained that State Route 278 is maintained by the state; the city can submit work orders but does not perform routine maintenance on state right-of-way except to remove immediate safety hazards. Staff also clarified that Bilkeruth (referred to in the meeting) is a county road and county requests should go to county authorities; the staff member said “the more the merrier to get attention where it needs to be.” The transcript further notes the route was described as “US 278 and Georgia business or Georgia 6,” and that the state maintains it.

Provenance: The resident comment appears at the 514.56–527.70 second block; staff responses are at 539.73–581.76 and 581.76–596.52 second blocks.