Road Update: January 22, 2024
JACKSON, Tenn. – A few city and county officials shared an update on the roads in Madison County.
“The most important roads that get people in and out of the rural parts of the county and into the city. The further you get into the city, the state routes converge, and the main city streets are all mostly clear as well. So once people get onto our main roads, they shouldn’t have any trouble getting into and out of the city,” said Jackson Mayor Scott Conger.
However, side streets and neighborhoods remain ice and snow-covered.
Leaders have shared the lack of resources that the city and county had in preparation for this storm.
Madison County Highway Superintendent Bart Walls shared that they have a limited supply of salt which also led to the decision of which roads to treat.
Another factor was his team was made up of 30 men with four plows and two salt vehicles.
“We’re not Wisconsin. We don’t have fleets and fleets of this equipment. So it makes it more difficult for us because we’re not prepared for it like northern cities are. Because we get it five days a year, and so spending $250,000 on a truck and a plow to equip it with salt,” Walls said.
Madison County Mayor AJ Massey shares that city leaders, first responders, and lawmakers will meet to discuss a plan on how to improve their plan in case of another major snowfall.
“So we have to be selective on where we use it. So, once again, it’s that balance of county resources and taxpayer funds. Making sure they are spent the right way at the same time being prepared for events like this,” Massey said.
Each leader has expressed their gratitude to the highway department for doing their best.
Superintendent Walls says that his team worked 20-plus hours to make sure the main roads were drivable.
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