Clay County approves permanent closure of Little River Drive access to Old Hard Road after safety hearing

The Clay County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously (5–0) on Sept. 9 to keep Little River Drive closed where it intersects Old Hard Road, following a public hearing during which neighbors and county engineers debated safety, covenants and emergency access.

County Engineer Richard Smith told the board that the stretch has been closed during construction and that the county’s traffic and safety analysis — supported by Clay County Fire Rescue — concluded reopening the connection would create an unsafe cut-through for drivers using the subdivision to avoid the reconfigured intersection at County Road 220. Smith said there have been four accidents at the site since construction began and that the neighborhood contains fewer than 100 lots, making a single entrance acceptable under the applicable fire code.

Several residents urged the board not to close the access. Tom Birdsall, a longtime Riverbend resident, said the neighborhood never voted to surrender ingress and egress and raised a procedural and covenant concern; he also warned that emergency access could be impeded if the only entry was blocked by a large crash on County Road 220. Other speakers said the closure improved safety for children and reduced cut-through traffic.

Board members debated alternatives — including one-way designs, speed-detection signs and permanent physical barriers — and reviewed an engineering assessment that Old Hard Road and the surrounding approaches were not designed for the projected cut-through volumes. Commissioners expressed support for the county engineer’s recommendation. The final vote to close access was 5–0 in favor.

What the board decided: - The county will keep Little River Drive closed to Old Hard Road access; the motion passed 5–0. - County staff indicated the closure would remain in place while a new sidewalk is installed and could be made permanent to prevent the neighborhood from becoming a cut-through.

Why it matters: Commissioners and emergency services framed the decision as a public-safety measure: the intersection improvements on County Road 220 and the rerouting of traffic created a new incentive for motorists to use small neighborhood streets as shortcuts. County staff cited multiple accidents at the work site and recommended limiting conflict points.

What residents said: Some homeowners opposed permanent closure on grounds of property covenants and the loss of an alternative route during major traffic incidents. Supporters said the closure reduced dangerous passing and speed-related risks and made neighborhood bus stops and walkways safer.

What’s next: The county engineer and public safety officials will coordinate implementation details, including construction of a sidewalk and any traffic-control measures; the closure will be reflected in county maintenance and traffic plans.

Votes at a glance related to this item: - Motion to close access to Little River Drive from Old Hard Road — approved, 5–0.