Wichita County adds Quail Ridge West to county road inventory after public hearing

The Wichita County Commissioners Court voted 5-0 on July 1 to add approximately 0.384 miles of Quail Ridge Road, from the Archer County line to Old State Road, into the Precinct 1 road inventory and to designate that segment Quail Ridge West.

The change was proposed at a public hearing so the county can formally maintain the Wichita County side of a road that loops into Archer County and back. Commissioners said the addition cleans up county records and brings the roadway under county maintenance schedules.

A county official noted a mileage discrepancy between sources: the initial public notice listed 0.317 miles while the Texas Department of Transportation had the segment at 0.384 miles. Commissioners used the 0.384-mile figure in the adopted action.

Resident Matthew Chiles testified at the hearing that local property owners supported the county taking responsibility for the road. "All 3 Covey and both sides of Quail Ridge have been maintained by, Wichita County, and we're thankful for that," Matthew Chiles said. Chiles told the court the larger maintenance problems — deep potholes — were on the Archer County side of the horseshoe.

Commissioners said the Wichita County segment needs regular maintenance such as chip sealing; adding the segment into the county inventory will allow the highway department to schedule work. The court’s formal motion to add the roadway was made by Commissioner Beecham and seconded by Commissioner Fincannon; the vote was 5-0 in favor.

Archer County retains jurisdiction for the portion that lies inside its boundary; several speakers at the hearing requested that Archer County address large potholes on its section. The court closed the public hearing before moving to the item for formal adoption.