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Bell County sets new posted limits on Elm Grove Road after public hearing
Summary
After a public hearing in which residents described blind curves, horse trailers and heavy trucks, the Bell County Commissioners Court approved a 30–40–30 posted speed pattern on Elm Grove Road and directed staff to post signs and address shoulders and maintenance.
Bell County Commissioners Court approved new posted speed limits on Elm Grove Road following a public hearing on Nov. 4.
At the hearing, county engineer Brian presented a traffic study showing 85th-percentile speeds near 44–54 mph at two tested locations and recommended posted limits reflecting that data. Residents who live on Elm Grove Road urged lower posted limits because of blind curves, pedestrians, equestrian trailers and heavy trucks. "I would like to ask you to consider lowering the speed limit to 40 or 45 and that you post that clearly," resident Jerry Gant told the court.
Several residents described safety hazards during five-minute public comments. Libby Barton asked why the county did not simply post a speed sign and asked that the county study the entire road rather than only portions. "You cannot see around. There's too many elevations," she said. Joseph Foster said 40–45 mph "feels about right" given topography and large trucks, and William Lowe recommended a 35-mph maximum for the section because of multiple blind spots.
Commissioners reviewed statutory guidance for county speed-setting and the 85th-percentile methodology used in the county's study. Brian explained that the 85th-percentile approach removes the fastest 15% of drivers from the calculation and sets a maximum reasonable posted speed from the remaining sample. He also noted advisory curve-warning signs are present in the stretch but that the portion south of the bridge previously had no posted limit.
After discussion, a commissioner moved to amend the engineer's recommendation and set a 30–40–30 pattern along the mapped stretch — 30 mph approaching the city limits, 40 mph in the middle segment, and 30 mph again near Elmer King Road. The court approved the motion by voice vote; the clerk confirmed the county has the information needed to post signage.
The court also directed Road & Bridge to inspect shoulders and include necessary shoulder work on a work plan, and asked staff to request increased sheriff patrols for enforcement if residents report continuing unsafe driving. The routine posting and notification process under the Transportation Code will be followed before signs become enforceable.
The motion carried by voice vote; the court instructs county staff to post the new limits and to follow up on road maintenance and enforcement.
