Smith County commissioners flag multiple hazardous road segments, call for repairs

On June 23, 2025, the Smith County Commission spent a substantial portion of its regular meeting reviewing recurring road, drainage and signage problems across the county and directing road staff on next steps. Commissioner Jim Gwennap (Chairman) said the condition on several stretches was severe, noting that "the ruts are extremely deep and there isn't any way a farm truck can get through."

Assistant Road Supervisor Travis Story told the board about the sequence of repairs needed at one site: "he will need to remove trees first, then a tube will be installed, then the road materials will be next," referring to 170 Rd between T Rd and U Rd. Commissioners and road staff also identified a down stop sign at 250 Rd and T Rd, a down turn sign at 50 Rd and T Rd, an exposed tube at 210 Rd and T Rd, and a need for road base on 30 Rd between Y Rd and Highway 281. Road Supervisor Mitch Fritz was asked to obtain fuel bids while staff continue to schedule and prioritize repairs.

Why it matters: several of the reported conditions affect farm access and public safety on county roads. The commission did not adopt a formal capital project at the meeting but asked staff to inspect flagged locations and bring back recommendations for materials and scheduling. The road-related discussion began in the meeting's opening agenda and continued into staff reports, with follow-up assignments given directly to road staff.