Decatur County commissioners approve paving of County Road 400 West after traffic study and speed-limit discussion

The Decatur County Board of Commissioners approved construction of County Road 400 West on April 20 after reviewing traffic counts, road-condition history and resident concerns about speed mitigation and property impacts.

Highway staff reported two traffic-count locations on the road showing averages of about 38 and 22 vehicles per day (peaks of 56 and 39 on sampled days), and noted the combined average was described as roughly 60 vehicles per day. Staff outlined the road’s maintenance history (gravel in 2003; converted to asphalt in 2004–05) and pace ratings that have fallen from 7 in 2011 to 3 in 2025, indicating long-term deterioration.

Residents who spoke during public comment pressed the board to limit speed or add physical traffic calming but opposed certain speed-bump designs because county standards and safety guidance typically limit speed bumps to lower posted-speed residential streets (generally under 30 mph). Staff said speed bumps can be hazardous if vehicles hit them at higher speeds and advised that a formal traffic-engineer study is needed to determine appropriate treatments and posted limits. Commissioners said they would request a traffic study and the conversation centered on whether to lower the limit to 45 mph or take other measures.

After hearing residents and staff, a commissioner moved to proceed with the paving project as designed by the county highway department; the motion passed by voice vote. Staff will obtain the traffic-engineer recommendations before installing any traffic calming devices or changing posted speed limits.