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Residents urge action on speeding, truck traffic on Beal Road; council says it will research options
Summary
Residents told Franklin City Council that speeding semis, 'jake braking' and poor sight lines on Beal Road put children and property at risk; council directed staff to research legally available traffic controls and return with recommendations.
Residents and several council members pressed Franklin City Council on Aug. 20 to address growing truck traffic and speeding on Beal Road, saying the conditions put children and neighbors at risk.
Gene Baker, a Beal Road resident, told council that despite earlier signs and occasional patrols "the truck traffic is getting worse" and that drivers continue to "jake break" and speed down the hill. Baker asked the city for hidden‑driveway signs and other measures to protect people who live along the road.
City Manager Sonny Lewis said the city will look into what legal traffic controls are available and will "do what we can to keep the public safe." Council member Michael Aldridge and others discussed placing a digital speed sign to gather data officials could use to justify regulatory changes such as a stop sign or other controls.
Police Chief Russ Whitman told council dispatch records showed no complaints for Scholl Road over the past year and four complaints for Beal Road; he urged residents to call the non‑emergency line when they observe dangerous driving so patrols and records can document the problem.
Other residents described damaged roadside infrastructure and hazards for school buses. Melissa Harris said schoolchildren must cross where bus sight lines are limited; Kenny Scearce asked how planned bridge repairs could affect Shotwell Drive access and emergency response times.
Council members replied that safety is a priority but cautioned that some controls require data or state approval. "If it's not warranted, and something happens, we could be liable," City Manager Lewis said, summarizing the need for a legally defensible approach. Lewis told residents staff will research options, consult the appropriate state or regional agencies as needed, and return to council with recommendations.
The council did not adopt any immediate regulatory changes at the meeting.
