A question of alerting motorists of high water when a permanent high water sign exists was a topic addressed by the Marshall County Commissioners and Marshall County Highway Department Monday morning.
Questions about the issue were recently fielded by Highway Superintendent Jason Peters. He formally asked the commissioners if his crews need to post a high water sign on two foot barricades to notify people or if a permanent sign would meet the requirement. Several permanent signs are posted on roads susceptible to high water issues.
The commissioners inquired about the procedure to post a high water sign or road closed sign. Peters said there are a few instances where a road closed sign would be posted.
“If it’s up four to six inches and it’s going to continue to rise, I think it’s something where you gotta start thinking to close it,” explained Peters. “Number two, if you can’t see anything underneath the road and you’re driving through it, with any type of flow it could actually erode the gravel roads out and you’d never see it.”
Commissioner Stan Klotz asked about liability. County Attorney Jim Clevenger replied that if it’s a more significant hazard then additional warnings should be posted, which was echoed by Commissioner Kevin Overmyer.
Commissioner Mike Delp commented that he’s concerned about driver safety.
“I’m just thinking about kids, young drivers. Adults should be a little smarter. They do have more experience. They should know better,” commented Delp.
After receiving confirmation, highway department crews will put up high water barricades where permanent signs are posted, to better alert motorists.
