Turning Lane At SEES Getting Damaged, Officials Urge Drivers To Use Caution, Stay On Pavement

Edmonson Voice Staff
Most drivers are now used to the new entrance/exit of South Edmonson Elementary since the expansion of KY HWY 743 has been completed, but cutting the corner onto the shoulder has damaged the new road and is causing loose gravel to pile onto the road, which has resulted in slick spots. 

The new shoulder of the highway at the entrance is gravel only, which means each time a tire drives over it, gravel is removed from the shoulder and tossed onto the blacktop. Additionally, each time a tire drives over the loose gravel on the blacktop, the pavement is cut and worn down.

Photo of blacktop just before turning lane on 743 at SEES.

Photo of worn and damaged blacktop in the turning lane at SEES.

"Vehicles had unintentionally veered off the pavement and drug gravel up onto the pavement, making for slick driving conditions," said SEES Principal Jamie Woosley. "Please remember when you pull in to South Edmonson to stay on our new blacktop driveway. This will help keep our entrance safe."

​Woosley said a volunteer swept the gravel off the road back on to the shoulder.

Sheriff Shane Doyle reminded everyone that the shoulder of the road is for emergency use only. "You are required to stay in the proper lane of traffic, even when making turns," he said. 

He said drivers are either trying to save a couple of seconds or keep more distance between themselves and traffic exiting in the other lane. "There's plenty of room for everyone to come in and out while staying out of the gravel, and you're not going to save any time by driving over the shoulder."

Doyle said seeing the damaged lane was also an opportunity to encourage everyone to slow down at the entrance. "Most accidents happen at intersections, and those near the schools are of even more importance."