DECATUR, Ind. — Adams County officials say fresh pavement on several rural roads is already showing wear from horse‑drawn traffic, raising concerns about long‑term maintenance costs.
Highway Superintendent Todd Mahaffey told commissioners Monday that the steel horseshoes and metal‑rimmed wheels used on Amish buggies are leaving visible scarring on asphalt that was resurfaced only weeks ago.
“You can already see the marks,” Mahaffey said. “It doesn’t take long.”
The county has no ordinance restricting horse‑drawn vehicles, and Mahaffey noted that the damage is not intentional — it’s simply the reality of mixed traffic on rural routes. Still, the early wear could shorten the lifespan of new pavement and force the county to adjust its maintenance schedule.
Commissioners acknowledged the issue but did not take action. No changes to policy or road standards were proposed during the meeting.
Mahaffey said his department will continue monitoring the affected roads and report back if the deterioration accelerates.