By Tony E. Windsor

A Laurel resident is urging town officials to address safety concerns on a little-known dirt roadway at the edge of town, citing increased traffic and hazardous conditions.

During the public participation portion of the Laurel Mayor and Council meeting on Feb. 17, resident Ben Hudson spoke about conditions on 11th Street, a narrow, unpaved road that many residents may not realize exists. The roadway, which connects to Van Buren Street in the county, has become a “cut-through route” for motorists, he said namely due to GPS navigation systems directing traffic onto it.

Hudson explained that while the county-maintained portion of the route is paved, the section within town limits remains a single-lane dirt road with limited visibility and challenging driving conditions. He described a particularly dangerous blind curve and noted that maintenance efforts have struggled to keep the road consistently passable.

“We’re catching traffic coming through,” Hudson told council members, adding that he would not recommend driving the road in its current condition without caution.

Hudson, who said only two residents live along that stretch within town limits, expressed concern not only for motorists but also for pedestrians, including neighbors who walk dogs along the road. The combination of increased traffic and limited visibility, he said, creates a safety risk.

To address the issue, Hudson and another resident are asking the town to consider closing the road to traffic by creating a dead end where the town-maintained portion meets the county line. He argued that such a move would reduce unnecessary traffic and improve safety for those living nearby.

Council members acknowledged the concern and indicated there is an established procedure for reviewing such requests. Hudson was advised to provide his contact information so town officials, including the town manager, can follow up and provide updates.

The road in question is located near Odd Fellows Cemetery and may appear in navigation systems as “Van Buren Street” rather than “11th Street,” Hudson noted.

Town officials have not yet announced any formal action but indicated the matter will be reviewed.