By Tabitha Evans Moore
Editor & Publisher
LYNCHBURG, Tenn. — Moore County motorists traveling near the Silicon Ranch solar farm construction site will soon see lower speed limits on several secondary roads.
During Monday night’s Metro Council meeting, members voted to temporarily reduce the speed limit to 30 miles per hour on multiple roads surrounding the project site, citing safety concerns tied to increased construction traffic, mud on roadways and overall congestion. Highway Department Chair Shane Taylor made the motion and Peggy Blackburn seconded it. It passes unanimously.
The temporary reduction applies to all of Cumberland Springs Road as well as section of Motlow Road, Raysville Road, and the Five Points area near Motlow State.
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Council members said the measure is intended as a safety precaution during peak construction activity, particularly as the county moves into the rainy season. Concerns raised during the meeting included heavy truck traffic, sediment tracking onto roadways, visibility issues near site entrances and general wear to rural roads not designed for sustained industrial-level traffic.
The speed reduction follows weeks of discussion between county officials and representatives of Silicon Ranch and its contractor, LPL, over road conditions and site management practices. Construction officials have said the project currently sees approximately 30 truckloads of materials per day during peak activity.
Council members indicated the change is temporary and may be revisited as construction progresses. Residents should watch for updated signage reflecting the new 30 mph limit.•
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