by Olivia P. Tucker
Times Reporter
Austin City Council agreed last week when they met to install a lockable gate to prevent travel on Boatman Road when it floods.
Boatman Road, on the city’s southwest side, parallels I-65 and frequently floods during times of heavy rain. While the roadway becomes impassable, that doesn’t stop drivers from attempting to navigate the flooded roadway. The result are calls for water rescues when vehicles stall in high water.
The gate will come at no cost from Scott County; the Scott County Board of Commissioners approved the transfer. A similar lockable gate is on the south end of the floodable portion of Boatman.
Previously when the road has flooded, there have been barriers for locals to know not to go through water for safety precautions. However, there are always people who have passed the barrier but end up having to turn around because of the floodwater.
The gate is a way to prevent travel down Boatman Road when it is not safe due to high water.