Resident John Magarelli urges Coffee County Highway Commission to investigate dangerous conditions on Ragsdale Road

John Magarelli, a resident at 3353 Ragsdale Road, told the Coffee County Highway Commission that frequent speeding, tandem dump trucks and semis regularly cross the double yellow near his driveway, creating a persistent safety hazard.

"Due to this, we are leery of checking our mailbox," Magarelli said, describing multiple mailbox replacements and neighbors’ reports of fatal accidents by his property. He asked the commission to "do a speed check, increase police patrol, install guard railings coming over the null, place hidden driveway signs and other flashing lights."

Commissioners and staff acknowledged the concern and said the county has limited authority to regulate who uses county roads but can request enforcement and evaluate signage and roadside treatments. The chair said the commission has passed the complaint to the sheriff's office and told highway staff to "glance" at the site during routine work and report back; staff also noted bridge and weight-limit signs are in place where applicable.

Magarelli described trucks crossing the centerline near the top of a hill, making it dangerous to pull from his driveway and raising the risk to residents and pets. He told the commission he and his wife moved outside the city to avoid traffic but now must avoid using their front porch because of noise and speed of large vehicles.

Highway staff said they would monitor the location during upcoming patrols and work runs and that the sheriff's office may conduct speed checks or increase enforcement. No formal vote or directive to install new infrastructure (guardrails or flashing lights) was recorded at the meeting; staff indicated follow-up would be necessary to determine eligibility, engineering needs and funding.

The commission did not adopt immediate physical improvements during the meeting; Mr. Magarelli was told the issue would be forwarded to the sheriff’s office and highway staff for further investigation and possible safety actions.