Rural roads panel weighs lower speed limits after 2,100-vehicle 24‑hour count

The Coffee County Rural Roads and Bridges Committee met Dec. 16, 2025, and reopened discussion on lowering speed limits along rural routes after staff reported a 24‑hour traffic count of 2,100 vehicles on 16th Mile Road.

During the old‑business discussion, Speaker 3 told the panel: “It was 2,100 cars. It's what they had on 16th Model Road. In 1 day? Well, 24 hour period.” Committee members said they had not received any resident petitions asking for speed‑limit changes despite earlier requests for signatures.

Speaker 1 said the committee intends to contact Tom Avery at the Tennessee Department of Transportation in Chattanooga to learn what is required to change signage or limits. “I just need to know what they need from us to sit there and go to get it changed because I know we're for it,” Speaker 1 said. Members discussed extending lower limits past Willowbrook to help protect school areas.

The committee did not take formal action on a speed‑limit ordinance at the meeting; members agreed to follow up with TDOT and await any resident petitions or additional data before pursuing a formal change.