On May 1, 2021, the Trigg County Fiscal Court unanimously passed a resolution, “respectfully requesting” the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet increase the speed limit of US 68/80 from 55 miles per hour to 65 — immediately west of Cadiz to Canton’s Henry Lawrence Bridge.
During Monday morning’s meeting, two years and one month later, Judge-Executive Stan Humphries confirmed to magistrates that while the local body had taken action, some sort of disconnect exists. The speed limit remains 55, and as such, time draws near for a revamp and a retool of the ordinance before it’s resubmitted to KYTC.
County Attorney Randy Braboy and Humphries both mentioned the ordinance, as written, might be too vague, and perhaps needs to better specify from the US 68/80 interchange and Canton Road to Land Between the Lakes.
And maybe with considerations made.
Braboy said some of the most common tickets he sees come across his desk are triple-digit speeds down the hill and across the Howard Anderson Bridge.
Humphries said there might be other locations to review before submitting a speed increase — including the entrance of Lake Barkley State Resort Park and the turnoff to Blue Springs Road.
However, the move to four lanes in Trigg County was meant, among many things, for expedient travel.
Magistrate Barry Littlejohn noted he’s heard from his constituents about the potential change; more “yay” than “nay.”
Magistrate Alana Baker-Dunn wondered aloud if the speed limit discussion had maybe halted because of the open road contract — one that eventually led to the creation of the “J-turn” at the intersection of Hwy. 139 and US 68/80.
Humphries and Braboy agreed a new draft of the resolution could be readily available and decided on by June 20.
In other court news:
— Annette Hargis and Jonathan Payne were both approved for three-year terms as county members for the Board of Assessments.
— Kendra Redd was appointed to the Trigg County Hospital’s Board of Directors, to complete the unexpired term of Todd Harton ending September 30, 2025.
— Greg Grissom, Stephanie Perry and Baker-Dunn were selected for a two-year term on the Trigg County Ambulance Board.
— Magistrate Mike Wright reported the Parks Board has approved the installation of a hydrant off of U.S. 272, to better maintain the kayak/canoe launching ramp. Furthermore, Brandon Calhoun and the Trigg County Road Department have helped clean out the Trigg County Recreation Complex tree line and fence, in preparation for the dense-grade gravel being placed for the long-awaited walking trail.
— Magistrate Pat Bush noted it would behoove the county to obtain a small bucket truck for taking down high limbs and trees, replace lights and work on other “tall tasks,” and he reported constituent concerns on Old Dover Road, which has many drivers at excessive speeds and a lack of speed-limit signage.
— And Humphries closed the meeting acknowledging the efforts of Solid Waste Coordinator Jesse Thomas, who plans to retire at the end of June following more than 15 years on the job. Also, Humphries said there could be three phases of a coming military memorial to Trigg County: beginning with a sign near the helicopter crash on Maple Grove Road, a Spring 2024 road marker after the convening of Kentucky General Assembly, and then a to-be-determined community meeting to discuss an all-encompassing memorial denoting all of the county’s military history.
