Resident warns of dangerous erosion on 255th and New Lancaster Road, urges rebuild

Craig Jerede, a Miami County resident who identified himself as a retired civil structural engineer, urged the Board of County Commissioners to change how the county maintains a stretch of 255th and New Lancaster Road, saying current techniques are creating a safety hazard.

"This road is probably in the worst condition that I've ever seen it in 50 years," Jerede told the commissioners, describing exposed bedrock, deep erosion trenches and sections with only about 15 feet of usable roadway near a hillcrest. He said a recent rollover involving a four-person ATV that injured two people and required examination by Miami County police underscores the danger.

Jerede criticized the county's traditional repair method of spreading a B‑3 aggregate mix over a hard, dry surface without compaction, calling it inappropriate for the existing conditions. He recommended the county instead "build up a road bed and actually put the water into the ditches," saying the site currently lacks functioning ditches and the overlay approach will only perpetuate erosion and liability risks.

Chair responded that the comment would be referred to Road and Bridge immediately. The board did not take formal action during the meeting but commissioners noted the safety concern and the recommendation to change maintenance practice.

The public comment is part of the official meeting record; Jerede provided a printed 11-by-17 map showing paved versus unpaved sections in the area bounded by Highways 169, 69, Eucyrus Road and Highway 68.