Residents urge Lincoln County to address speeding on Muddy String Road; commissioners consider studies and increased patrols

Residents at the Feb. 21 meeting urged Lincoln County commissioners to address speeding and safety concerns on Muddy String Road, citing a growing number of children, a daycare and an assisted-living facility near the route.

"We have a large number of children in the area," Lincoln County property owner April Roberts told the board, asking for recommendations ranging from reduced speed limits to four-way stops. Roberts said studies show traffic volumes and speeds are a concern for neighborhood safety.

Sheriff’s Captain Brian Andrews said the Sheriff’s Office is spread thin but confirmed it can increase patrols on Muddy String Road. "We can increase the patrol on Muddy String to help," Andrews said. Amy Butler, county engineer, explained the county's traffic-count process and that speed limits are typically set at the 85th percentile of observed traffic speeds — a standard method the county uses when conducting studies.

Vice Chairman Connelly said the board is considering alternatives and agreed that new traffic studies should be done to inform decisions. Property owner Scott Dana reiterated local concern and asked the county to follow through on previously discussed promises about the road’s use.

The minutes record discussion and commitments to explore further study and enforcement options; no formal policy change or funding appropriation for traffic modifications was adopted at this meeting.