Commissioners to convene stakeholders after deadly crashes on regional highways

Commissioners told the public they will convene a stakeholder meeting to address a series of recent deadly and near-fatal crashes on regional routes including Highway 395 and Highway 17.

Speaker 3 said he had discussed a proposal with Representative Mark Clicker to identify a particularly dangerous stretch as an 'accident zone' that could carry enhanced penalties, and he said he has offered his support. He said a stakeholder meeting is planned for next Wednesday at 10 a.m. at the HAPO Center and will include legislators, county staff and other experts.

"It's an extremely dangerous stretch of highway, and it needs to be addressed," said Commissioner (unnamed, Speaker 5), who called for traffic-diversion studies and said the county should make the issue a top priority this year. A survivor called in and described personal loss from a double-fatality crash; commissioners said they will coordinate with state and federal partners because some affected corridors are state or federal highways.

Public commenters urged turnouts for farm equipment on county roads, greater enforcement of traffic infractions, and consideration of bypass routes to reduce through traffic in population centers. Commissioners proposed a 2026 traffic-safety emphasis for Franklin County and said they will inventory existing tools while pursuing comprehensive solutions with neighboring jurisdictions and state agencies.

The county will organize the stakeholder meeting and communicate details and any follow-up steps through the county administrator.