Central worries more speeders are coming

CENTRAL - Residents are worried a state highway that already attracts a lot of speeders will expldoe with even more problems soon.

Many drivers on Blackwater Road in Central either live along the highway, or use it as easy access to and from Zachary. The 50 mph speed limit is considered safe by city officials, but lately the city has answered a number of phone calls from residents complaining about speeders.

"You know, it's a state highway, it's a nice wide roadway, straight in a lot of places," said Central Chief Administrative Officer David Barrow. "Some people might get over the 50 mph speed limit."

The two-lane highway runs between Hooper Road and Highway 64, surrounding Central. The growing city has its eye on a Greenlight Project to widen Hooper from two to four lanes, where the road often stacks up.

Residents along Blackwater worry that construction traffic could be diverted to their area.

"It concerns me," said one resident. "I think the accidents will pick up, the traffic and commute time will be a lot longer, because it's only two lanes."

Central officials says the Hooper Road construction is still years away and don't expect Blackwater to have traffic problems anytime soon. They will be increasing patrols to help deter speeders.