Campaign Signs in Right of Way

TYLER — The Smith County Road and Bridge Department has received several calls about campaign signs placed in the county right of way, Assistant Road and Bridge Administrator Charley Miller said on Tuesday. Miller said that the county right of way consists of the space between utility lines and the road’s edge. Signs placed behind utility lines are considered on private property. “As long as signs are behind power lines, they are on private property and will not be removed,” Miller said. Officials say signs removed from the county right of way will be stored at the county road and bridge office at 1700 West Claude Street in Tyler, until the 2012 election cycle ends. Unclaimed signs will be disposed of immediately after the 2012 election polls close.