After some research, Sharp learned the roadway was classified a single "A," allowing loads of only 44,000 pounds. According to Steve Hall at the Department of Highways in Elizabethtown, before changing the status of a roadway the department must first consider bridges, the width and structure of the pavement and the traffic of the road.
Sharp contacted his state government representatives about getting the road rating changed in January, 2003. He contacted Senator Virgil Moore, Representative C.B. Embry and Representative Richie Sanders for help, in addition to writing many letters himself. Rep. Sanders wrote letters, Sen. Moore lobbied to pass a bill allowing trucks on roadways within 15 miles of any parkway. Rep. Embry went to Elizabethtown to the Department of Highways to talk to the road engineer.
"Hwy. 79 is vital for our area to grow," said Sharp, "This shows people in Frankfort want to see businesses succeed."
Since Sharp started in January, the State Highway 79 has been upgraded from the single "A" status to a triple "A" rating. Now, truck weight limits can reach 80,000 pounds without receiving a ticket. The change in rating was passed and went into effect on Tuesday, April 1. Sharp said, "
Several other businesses had experienced some delivery trucks receiving tickets for over weight loads. Even some boats being moved to Rough River Lake had been ticketed.
Other triple "A" roadways in Grayson County include all of Hwy. 62. Hwy 259 is triple "A" from the Edmonson County line to the Mill Street light and double "A" from the Mill Street light to the Breckinridge County line. Hwy. 54 is triple "A" from the square to the rock quarries, then it becomes a single "A."
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