Residents Raise Concerns Over Narrow, Unsafe Roads at County Meeting

By: Shelia Mader

At Tuesday night’s Jackson County Commission meeting, several residents spoke during the public comment period about ongoing concerns with road conditions in rural parts of the county.

One speaker, Mr. L. R. Hasty, addressed the board about issues on Concord Road, describing it as one of the oldest surveyed roads in the county. He said that over time, the road has become significantly narrower, making it difficult and at times unsafe for modern farm equipment to travel.

L. R. Hasty explained that what was once a wide enough path for mule-drawn wagons is now too tight for today’s larger equipment, such as six-row combines. He described a recent situation where he and a neighbor were unable to safely pass each other due to overgrown limbs and limited road width.

He also pointed to a lack of maintenance over the years, saying dirt has been pushed outward instead of being pulled back into the roadway, further reducing usable space. In some areas, he noted, the buildup has reached fence lines.

In addition to dirt road concerns, L. R. Hasty raised safety issues in the Town of Bascom, saying farm equipment cannot safely pass through due to obstructions such as mailboxes placed too close to the roadway. He questioned whether escorts would be required every time large equipment moves through the area.

“This is supposed to be a rural county,” L. R. Hasty told commissioners. “At least leave the roads open so you can get down them safely.”

Commission Chairman Jamey Westbrook acknowledged the concerns and asked L. R. Hasty to provide a simple map identifying the specific problem areas so they can be reviewed.

Commissioner Donnie Branch said he has been receiving an increasing number of similar complaints, particularly from agricultural areas in his district. He raised concerns about overgrown trees and narrow roadways affecting farmers’ ability to operate equipment safely.

Branch asked Road and Bridge Director Jeffrey Register whether the county could develop a system to routinely check problem areas and address issues such as tree trimming. Register responded that the department does have a bucket truck for trimming but noted the challenge of maintaining more than 900 miles of county roads.

Westbrook emphasized the importance of supporting local farmers, noting that agriculture remains a key part of the county’s economy.

“We have to keep in mind that that’s their living and their livelihood,” Westbrook said.

L. R. Hasty also pointed out hazards from damaged or dying trees along roadways, recalling an instance where a fallen tree completely blocked a road, forcing vehicles off the shoulder.

Other residents echoed similar concerns about road conditions in their areas.

Following discussion, commissioners asked the Road and Bridge Department to look into what can be done to address the issues and report back to the board.