One of the main thoroughfares in Cadiz, Wharton Road sees considerable traffic on a daily basis — particularly because of its connection between Powerline Drive and Main Street.
During Tuesday night’s Cadiz City Council meeting, Cadiz Police Chief Duncan Wiggins addressed what’s been noted through a complaint to City Hall from an unnamed citizen as a “speeding issue” on the road — with drivers reportedly, and frequently, rolling over the posted 25MPH.
Recently, Wiggins said his unit completed a traffic survey of the area, and gathered that the average speed of vehicles during the six-week span came to 32 MPH.
It’s a little high, and perhaps there are drivers taking the road more recklessly at different times. But Wiggins noted there are several other hot spots in Trigg County that pull his unit in other directions.
One such location is the US 68/80 Bypass, where two drivers were recently picked up doing more than 120 MPH.
As far as Wharton Road is concerned, Wiggins noted there are some options for the area that could be used to help with monitoring. A mobile speed-and-traffic counter that could be used all over the city and county would cost anywhere between $1,750 and $2,000, and Wiggins said it’s the kind of purchase “worth considering.”
Wiggins added that having officers posted near Wharton Road could help deter speeding, but that writing tickets all the time probably wouldn’t be effective — especially now, with his department issuing speeding violations at the highest rate since 2020.
Speed bumps, which he said have also been suggested, also wouldn’t work for the road.
Wiggins noted he and his other officers will continue to monitor the situation, but that he’s also looking for the public to notify both he and his staff with some specificity about times of day, as well as car identification.
Those with can concerns can call the Cadiz Police Department at (270) 522-8369.
