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Coffee County panel to install larger 'no trucks' signs after GPS-directed truck traffic and reviews traffic counts near state-aid thresholds
Summary
Commissioners voted to order larger pictograph 'no trucks' signs after residents reported heavy truck traffic damaging Benson and Buck Jones roads. Staff also presented 24-hour counts—Asbury 1,946 and 41 Highway 2,187—that could affect state-aid pavement specifications near a 2,000-vehicle threshold.
The Coffee County Highway Commission agreed at its February meeting to place larger 24-by-24 “no trucks” signs on local roads after residents reported out-of-area truck traffic bypassing closed gates and causing damage.
The Chair described complaints that trucks are using a gated gravel cut-through and then harming Benson and Buck Jones roads. The Director said the county will replace missing smaller signs with larger, pictograph-style 24x24 signs at key locations to deter GPS-directed truck routing: “When we get those bigger signs out there, hopefully, they can … it's got a pictograph on it instead of words.”
Why it matters: commissioners said repeated heavy truck traffic is creating wear and localized damage on roads not built for industrial loads. The Director said he and Sheriff Chad Parton have contacted factories that generate truck traffic to try to reduce improper routing.
Staff also presented new 24-hour vehicle counts used to evaluate pavement choices and potential state-aid upgrades. A staff member reported counts including Asbury (community center) 1,946 vehicles in 24 hours, Gowen Road at the bridge 1,806, and a 41 Highway location of 2,187—figures several commissioners said are near or above a common 2,000-vehicle threshold that can require a heavier pavement mix for state-aid roads.
Commissioners discussed how passing the threshold can change pavement requirements if state aid is sought and asked staff to continue monitoring counts ahead of paving season.
The commission approved routine procedural items and adjourned; the next meeting was set for March 4 at Administrative Plaza at 3:00 p.m.
(Reporting based on remarks by the Chair, the Director, and staff during the February meeting.)
