The County Commission once again Tuesday got into a discussion over the portion of K-14 which has now become a county road, after the K-61 project was complete.

Under state statute, county road speed limits are 55, while two lane state highways can go as high as 65. Since the county took over the road between K-61 at Arlington and K-96 west of Nickerson, the speed has dropped to 55. Residents and others want it back at 55. The county may do a study to determine the traffic count on that road and see if the traffic warrants the higher speeds. .

Those who spoke at the commission meeting Tuesday were concerned on this will effect large truck traffic going between various Coop’s near the highway now that its a county road.

County Public Works Director Dave McComb had stated two weeks ago that he’s against in creasing the speed again now, because they’re planning a lot of construction projects along that road next year. Then in 2014, they plan an over-lay of new pavement along the road. But, Commissioner Dan Deming wants the study now saying that’s the least they can do for those people who live and work in that area. Commissioner Brad Dillon, says he was influenced by what he heard, but says at this point he’s undecided on the study being done right away. Commissioner James Schlickau was not present at the meeting, so any decision on the study would come at a later date, possibly as a future agenda item.

The county has a fund that the city and county put together for future maintenance on the road which is apparently just under 4-millions dollars, and another 3.4-million provided by the state.

McComb wants any consideration of increasing the speed limit and even a study to be held off until after all the work is complete. However, if the county decides to go ahead, he believes it would cost around 5-thousand dollars and should be complete in 30-to-60 days.