Commissioners discuss road closing barricades

Mount Pleasant For Real Photo by Lou Antonelli
Road Engineer Roger Ledbetter said barricades are better at preventing people from driving into high water.

By LOU ANTONELLI
Editor-in-Chief

County Commissioners Monday morning discussed with Road Engineer Roger Ledbetter the need for barriers to block roads.

The subject was raised at the previous meeting following torrential rains the weekend of Feb. 24-25. At the time Ledbetter reported that at one point over that weekend 27 county roads were closed because of high water.

The county only has a handful of barricades, and tried to close most roads with yellow tape, which proved in effectual. Ledbetter said the sheriff’s office was requesting the county procure more barricades.

At the time commissioners approved him  buying a half dozen sets of barricades.

Ledbetter reported to commissioners this past Monday he has priced barricades at $122.95 each, or $1,475 for six sets of two each.

Sheriff Tim Ingram said barricades are needed because the yellow tape “just doesn’t last. They drive through it.”

Ledbetter said he agreed more barricades are probably needed. “They get their attention,” he said.

Commissioner Mike Fields said that in the long run “we’re going to need a lot more than six.”

Ledbetter suggested the county purchase the six sets “and let’s see how they work.” He added the need is becoming more urgent "because we're entering the rainy season."

Commissioner Al Riddle questioned “spending this money for these high dollar barricades.”

He said he doesn’t think high water closings have been that big a problem over the years.

“Every time we have a problem the first thing people want to do is jump up and spend a lot of money,” he said.

County Judge Brian Lee pointed out the court had already authorized Ledbetter to buy the six sets of barricades.

Commissioner Jimmy Parker said he thinks he can fabricate some barricades in-house.

“I’ll get with you,” he said to Ledbetter.

Ledbetter added that there were three road closings because of fallen trees and limbs Saturday night during a severe hailstorm that pummeled the county; two of the roads also had downed power lines.