Louisville is moving to fix a safety issue on Lowes Ferry Road as it works to protect access to one of its publicly-funded recreation assets. The town plans to install a series of low-cost safety measures within weeks at an S-curve near Poland Creek Campground, one of only two access points to the site.
According to a town-funded study, at least 11 accidents have occurred in the area over the past three years. The study, which cost about $6,000, found the curve unsafe at speeds above 25 mph.
Mayor Jill Pugh said initial fixes will include additional warning signs and curve indicators at a cost of under $10,000.
Contractor CDM Smith recommended a phased approach after studying the road. Should the signs fail to reduce crashes, Louisville can escalate to milling the asphalt to increase friction and installing a digital warning sign. A full realignment or widening of the road would represent the final, most expensive option.
Town officials previously attempted to address the issue by installing stop signs at either end of the curve, though Pugh said that approach is no longer considered effective for the site.
The road work comes as Louisville invests in upgrades to the campground and surrounding recreation assets. Last year, the town secured a $100,000 grant to improve the recreation area, grading the campground, repairing the fishing pier and upgrading the bathhouse.
Lowes Ferry Road is one of only two ways to access the park through Louisville, and Pugh said crash numbers in the area have remained steady.
