Winter rains threaten county road stability

Warm temperatures and rain prompted Whitman County to post load restrictions on its more than 1,500 miles of roads throughout the county last Thursday.

Public Works Director Mark Storey said the roads have become so soft they could crumble under heavy traffic. To prevent damage, loads weighing more than 19,560 pounds gross vehicle weight are forbidden on posted roads.

Freezing temperatures “puff up” the roads, explained Storey. When they thaw, and with the recent heavy rain, the roads turn to soup.

“Just some time without heavy loads allows them to settle back down,” he said.

Roads are typical...