County Commissioners approve temporary speed limit reductions for solar project area

The county is taking action to reduce traffic issues in the areas affected by the AES Crossvine Solar project, following concerns raised by residents in recent months.

The Dubois County Commissioners unanimously approved a temporary speed limit reduction from 45 mph to 35 mph on multiple roads within the Crossvine Solar project area.

County Engineer Levi Leffert presented the proposal to commissioners, explaining that the current 45 mph speed limits on roads throughout the solar project area pose safety risks during construction. Some roads display posted speed limits while others default to the county’s standard 45 mph limit for unposted roads.

“After looking at the code and coordinating with our county attorney, it looks like we can do a temporary reduction in speed,” Leffert told the commissioners.

The temporary reduction requires no traffic study, unlike permanent speed limit changes that demand extensive engineering analysis and traffic data collection. Leffert also reported AES had agreed to take care of the new signs at no cost to the county.

“I coordinated with AES and asked if they would be willing to purchase the signs and posts and also install them if I give them a sign placement plan,” Leffert explains. “And they are 100% on board with that.”

Commissioner Chad Blessinger asks whether the signs will become county property after construction ends, and Leffert agreed that this arrangement makes the most sense rather than having AES remove them later.

The temporary speed limit reduction will remain in effect throughout the construction period, which could extend beyond one year. Commissioners retain the option to consider permanent speed limit changes later, though such modifications would require comprehensive traffic studies and engineering analysis.

The speed reduction addresses ongoing safety concerns in the construction zone. Leffert reported receiving multiple complaints about unsafe conditions, including videos showing several semi-trucks parked on roadways, creating hazardous situations for other drivers.

“It’s one thing to be a little inconvenience; it’s another thing to be unsafe for the community,” Blessinger stated.

Leffert also provides updates on drive entrance modifications throughout the solar project area. Drive entrance number two on Old Road 64 initially lacked adequate sight distance, prompting coordination with AES to adjust the entrance location. The modified entrance now provides more than 400 feet of sight distance, meeting county requirements.

Drive entrance number 14 on 500 West was confirmed to meet the minimum 400-foot sight distance requirement, but remains close to the threshold. Leffert recommends installing “Drive Entrance Ahead” warning signs on both sides of this location as an additional safety measure.

Another entrance on Holland Road Northeast maintains adequate sight distance but requires ongoing vegetation maintenance to prevent future visibility issues. Leffert coordinates with AES to ensure proper upkeep of vegetation that could impact sight lines.

During his comprehensive review of the project area, Leffert identified inconsistencies in the placement of temporary construction signage. Some drive entrances display warning signs on only one side of the road, while others lack proper signage entirely. He provided AES construction managers with detailed recommendations to improve sign placement and remove conflicting signs that cause driver confusion.

The engineer also addressed an unauthorized temporary entrance on 500 West, located over a hill crest in a blind spot. After receiving public complaints about this dangerous location, Leffert requested that AES discontinue use of the site and install barricades to prevent future access.

“I need to verify to see if that has been done,” Leffert said.

Regarding CenterPoint Energy’s role in the project, Leffert clarified that the utility company does not maintain a separate road use agreement with the county. During a previous meeting, CenterPoint indicated that they do not typically enter into such agreements with counties. However, AES agreed to cover any road damage caused by CenterPoint vehicles under their existing road use agreement with Dubois County.

Overall, as construction ramps up, the county is concerned about safety and is working with the developers to ensure they adhere to traffic safety standards.

“A project of this nature is held to a higher standard,” Leffert told commissioners. “They need to make sure they’re making it safe for the traveling public.”