Two Abilene residents urged the Street Maintenance Advisory Appeals Board to address visibility and lighting problems on local streets, saying faded lane markings and unlit islands are creating safety hazards for drivers.

"I am concerned about Barrow Street," said Susan Russell, a resident of 30 Gardenia Circle, during the board's public comment period. "...you can't see the lane markers, especially if it's raining. But it's dark, and you really can't see the lanes well at all." Russell said her husband recently had to straddle a line because he could not see the lane marker.

Sherry White, who lives near South Fourteenth, told the board an island on Buck Butternut/Pioneer — a narrow turning lane near a church and an elementary school — is difficult to see at night. "They do have lights, but they're not on," White said, and described a recent collision followed by oil on the roadway that she said created a second incident.

Why it matters: Poor pavement markings and nonfunctioning lighting reduce driver visibility at night and in rain, increasing the risk of lane departures and collisions. Residents asked the board to pursue marking upgrades, reflective pavement markers, and a check of lighting on the island near Buck Butternut.

What the board heard: Chair Mister Todd opened the public comment period and invited the complaints. Staff did not announce an immediate plan during the meeting but the concerns were recorded for follow-up. Board members asked clarifying questions about exact locations and visibility of reflective markers.

What remains unresolved: Residents requested improved street markings and that lights on the island be checked and repaired; the transcript records the complaints and the board's acknowledgement, but no specific follow-up action, schedule, or funding commitment was made at the meeting.

The board is scheduled to reconvene June 18, 2026.