Oldham County officials urge KYTC action after debate over trucks parked at closed I‑71 rest area

Judge Executive David Vogel told the court about a recent fatal crash near the Crestwood exit on I‑71 and reported public concern about trucks parking on ramps where the rest area is closed for sewer work. He asked Chief Smith to brief the court on safety and enforcement options.

Chief Smith said County crash data show five rest‑area–related accidents year to date and only one involved a parked truck; that collision involved a struck and leaving driver and was not caused by a parked truck. He told the court Kentucky law (KRS 189.450) prohibits standing or parking on highway shoulders but said federal hours‑of‑service rules require truck drivers to rest and rely on rest stops. "If we tell them to move, then we are telling them to violate federal law...it puts us in kind of a dire situation for liability issues," he said, arguing local enforcement could force truckers into unsafe choices or jeopardize their licenses.

Magistrates pressed both enforcement and nuisance concerns. One member said a truck stop exists roughly 13 miles away and urged asking drivers to move, saying the ramps and trash are harming the county’s image. Road‑committee members said KYTC had been contacted and suggested solutions including fencing the work area, signed truck‑only parking, porta‑potties and dumpsters to address trash build‑up. Judge Vogel said the state police are not enforcing ramp closures district‑wide and that reopening and signing would ultimately be a KYTC decision.

The court did not adopt a local enforcement order; instead members agreed to continue outreach to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and the state police and to monitor the situation. The court recorded no immediate change in local enforcement policy during the meeting.