Representatives of the Mt. Olive Creek Solar project say they have taken several steps to improve roadway safety following complaints about trucks traveling to and from the construction site.
Solly Van Meter with ENGIE North America and Corey Templet with GIS addressed the Russell County Fiscal Court Monday morning, outlining their response to concerns raised last month.
In September, resident Robert Coppage appeared before magistrates on behalf of himself and other residents of the Sano and Mt. Olive communities. He described unsafe truck traffic, primarily along Sano–Mt. Olive Road. Residents also reported damage to roads, fencing and other property.
Monday, Van Meter said the company is in its seventh year of leasing property for the project and has worked to address concerns from neighbors throughout that time. He said roadway safety concerns are receiving that same attention.
Templet – pronounced Templay — said construction began last October, with nearly 300 people now working on-site daily. He acknowledged that roads serving the project are narrow, even for regular vehicle traffic, and said approximately 15 to 20 semi-trucks and dump trucks travel to the site each day.
Templet said all delivery drivers have been instructed to approach from the west side of the project. He also outlined additional safety measures taken in response to complaints.
Templet said certified flaggers are now being used when crews work in the West Highway 76 area. The company has also requested assistance from a state highway inspector to ensure compliance, and daily job-site meetings reinforce safety requirements for employees and subcontractors.
Fourth District Magistrate Steve Richardson said most complaints he receives involve trucks using rural roads to reach the construction site.
Judge-Executive Randy Marcum said a direct contact number for construction-site personnel has been helpful. That number has been shared with magistrates, 911 Dispatch and the sheriff’s department, allowing callers with concerns to reach someone at the site directly.
Sheriff Derek Polston said his latest complaint involved employees driving recklessly while leaving work at the end of their shift. He said deputies have increased their presence in the area, providing extra patrols daily following last month’s complaints.
Polston also offered to help with traffic control when solar-panel deliveries begin after the first of the year, provided deputies are available and not responding to other calls.
Templet acknowledged that traffic issues can arise with a construction project of this size, but said the company will do everything it can to reduce those problems and address new concerns.

 
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