BY SARAH STEPHENS
ELMORE/AUTAUGA NEWS
Top Photo: A reader submitted this photo of current conditions on Ross Road, off of Deatsville Highway in Elmore County. This is a frequent problem with persistent rain, as the county has seen this year.
Recently we received an email from a resident on Ross Road in Elmore County, with photos attached, of conditions of the roadway.
With recent rains, the Elmore County Commission road crews have not been able to follow their regular schedule of blading Ross Road, and other dirt roads, in the county. There is no doubt that Ross Road is in poor condition with huge ruts. (Editor’s Note: This writer had to take that road this week, and the ruts are huge. Please slow down if you take this road on a regular basis.)
The good news is however, as road crews are planning to blade Ross Road Monday if weather allows.
According to County Commission Chairman Bart Mercer, dirt roads can be difficult to maintain when Mother Nature brings persistent rain.
“We can blade a road, but unless there are at least a few days without rain and the road can set up properly, it just becomes a mud bog,” Mercer said.
He said he and other commissioners take regular calls about roads, specifically dirt roads in the county on a regular basis.
If you have a concern or issue within Elmore County that falls under the Commission, here is the link to report the issue – https://www.elmoreco.org/report-a-problem
The Elmore County Commission meets every second and fourth Monday in the courtroom of the historic Wetumpka Courthouse downtown. The Work Session where general discussions are held and the most informative aspect of the meeting, is held at 5 p.m. The official meeting where votes are held follows immediately, usually at 6 p.m. and is usually very brief. Both meetings are open to the public and attendance can be very educational.
If you would like to know who your commissioner is, or how to contact them, follow this link – https://www.elmoreco.org/elmore-county-commission
As for the future, Mercer said he is specifically working on road improvements in his District, not just for Ross Road but several others such as Politic Road and Gunnells Road.
Many residents would like to see their dirt roads paved, and there is a process to begin that, Mercer said.
“In all honestly, it can take about five years, so it is important to begin the process as soon as there is an agreement between landowners,” he said.
In the case of Gunnells Road, four years ago that process began with owners signing a Quit Claim Deed and turning over the required feet of their property to allow for a proper right of way. A lot goes into that process, including placing drainage and culverts to keep standing water off the roadway. Then utilities have to be moved before the paving process can begin. It requires the road to become a one-lane road while construction occurs.
He said it is hoped that Gunnells Road will be paved within the next 12 months after utilities are moved.
Sarah Stephens is the owner of the Elmore/Autauga News and can be reached at editorsarah@yahoo.com.
