Marion County Lowers Speed Limit, Restricts Commercial Traffic On Paris Gravel Road

HANNIBAL, Mo. — Marion County officials have approved new traffic restrictions for Paris Gravel Road after GPS navigation systems began routing more drivers through the area.
Western District Commissioner Lacey Miller said navigation providers, including Garmin and Google, have increasingly shown Marion County
Road 422, commonly known as Paris Gravel Road, as a main route through Hannibal.
County officials said the increased traffic has created safety concerns for residents and drivers along the road.
The Marion County Commission approved an ordinance reducing the speed limit on Paris Gravel Road to 35 mph. The ordinance also
prohibits commercial motor vehicles licensed for a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more.
Agricultural vehicles and farm equipment are exempt from the commercial vehicle restriction, including agricultural vehicles licensed for highway use and not used for hire.
The ordinance applies to Paris Gravel Road, also listed in the county order as County Road 418/422, between State Highway MM and the Hannibal city limits. Updated road signs will be installed in the near future. The restrictions will take effect after the new signage is posted.
The ordinance was approved June 8 by the Marion County Commission. It was signed by Presiding Commissioner David Lomax, Eastern District Commissioner Larry Welch and Miller.
Violations may be enforced by the Missouri State Highway Patrol and
the Marion County Sheriff’s Office after signs are posted.
Under the ordinance, violations may be prosecuted as misdemeanors, with enhanced penalties for drivers exceeding the posted speed limit by
20 mph or more.