Crossville has passed a new work-zone sign ordinance to make construction areas and pubic roadways safer and easier for drivers to navigate.
The ordinance requires workers to place a warning sign such as “Work Zone,” “Caution,” or “Utility Work Ahead”, facing oncoming traffic about 50 feet before the work vehicle. Crossville City Clerk Baylee Rhea said the city passed the ordinance to prevent any accidents that may occur, especially in heavy residential areas.
“We’ve seen an increase in businesses parking on the shoulder or side of the road when they have a trailer or a big truck, and they can’t fit into a driveway,” Rhea said. “And so we wanted these businesses to put out signage to help prevent that.”
The ordinance requires signs to be at least 24 inches by 24 inches, made of reflective material, and must be clearly legible from 150 feet in daylight, and sufficiently reflective or illuminated to remain visible during nighttime and inclement weather. Rhea said the city wanted to pass the ordinance before the Spring.
“So we wanted to try to get this in place prior to the spring when a lot of people are having a lot of yardwork or housework done,” Rhea said.
Rhea said there are penalties for not following the ordinance. However, Rhea said with the recent change, the goal is not to penalize people unless they are a repeat offender.
“Our goal right now is to educate the best we can and try to get these businesses to put up signage,” Rhea said. “After a certain amount of time, though, it will be a ticketed offense, and they will have to go to city court.”
Rhea said all of the city’s departments are working to spread the word about the change, especially to ongoing construction sites.