Commissioners hear complaints about road safety and public access; ask sheriff and public works to review

Franklin County commissioners raised two public‑safety and access concerns at the Oct. 22 workshop and asked county staff for follow‑up.

First, commissioners discussed resident complaints about speeding on Wernett Road (between Road 44 and Road 48). Residents reported that a solar‑powered speed sign installed to alert drivers to their speed has at times encouraged drivers to try to record high speeds; one commissioner said the sign showed a driver reaching 81 mph in a 25 mph zone. Commissioners asked the administrator to consult the sheriff’s office about potential enforcement and whether removal or relocation of the sign would reduce dangerous driving.

Second, commissioners addressed ongoing complaints about closure of a segment of Columbia River Road (Resolution 2024‑134) that has restricted public access to a popular river fishing area. One commissioner said the resolution authorized seasonal closure from Sept. 30 through April 1, but residents reported locked gates during the summer and other times the road was expected to be open. Commissioners asked the sheriff’s office and public works to review the current closure practice and provide recommendations on balancing public access and enforcement concerns (including drug activity cited as a reason for closure).

No immediate policy actions were taken; commissioners requested reports and input from the sheriff’s office and public works before considering amendments to existing closure resolutions or additional enforcement measures.