BY BRAD DEVEREAUX
Because of many recent accidents on the Sand Hills Road (Road 5), which runs between Cowley and Byron, members of the Big Horn County Sheriff’s Department and other agencies are working on a plan to improve the road and prevent accidents. The topic will be discussed Wednesday, Feb. 25, at the Lovell Annex at 6 p.m.
Sheriff’s deputies will begin more aggressive patrols on Road 5, according to Sheriff Ken Blackburn. He said deputies would pull over any driver on the road who gives them a reason to and there won’t be many warnings written.
“Normally, we don’t do aggressive patrols and focus on stopping crimes,” Blackburn said, “but kids travel on the road and intoxicated people take it late at night to avoid the highway, which creates a deadly situation.”
He said members of the Sheriff’s office are looking at many different options to improve the safety of the road including instituting a superintendent’s speed zone, increased signage and other improvements. He said funds might be available from the County Road and Bridge Dept. to fund some of the improvements. The Lovell Volunteer Fire Department also supports the project, Blackburn said.
Blackburn mentioned two recent fatal accidents that occurred on the road and said he recalled many other accidents there over the years he has lived in the area.
“The warning is significant,” Blackburn said. “People have lost their lives. People need to slow down.”
Anyone with concerns or an interest in making the road safer is encouraged to attend the meeting Wednesday at the annex, the sheriff said.