Serving Whitman County since 1877
Serving Whitman County since 1877
Whitman County Public Works Department will institute weight restrictions this week as roads thaw.
Because of the extended cold streaks in December and January, the annual posting for 2017 will happen later than usual.
On Wednesday and Thursday, Public Works crews were set to flip the square, hinged-signs on dozens of roads throughout the county. Once turned, the signs set a 19,500-pound load limit. The posting will be for four to 10 weeks.
The decision of when to flip the signs is made each year by Public Works Director Mark Storey, after conferring with his district supervisors about frost conditions.
“The supervisors measure frost and check mushy tops of roads,” Storey said.
This year's date to start weight limits stretched into February as cold temperatures held. Storey told county commissioners Monday that this is the latest week in his 15 years working with the county to start the limits.
“I'm not sure I've had one this late,” said Phil Meyer, county maintenance operations manager, a 31-year veteran.
The limits will take effect on all but less than 10 roads which have recently been reconstructed, such as Colfax Airport Road, Palouse Cove Road, Pullman-Albion Road, Dry Creek Road and Scott Road in LaCrosse.
Load limits are posted on both paved and gravel roads.
“Gravel is almost more susceptible. Almost,” Storey said. “Heavy loads can cause hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage. They can destroy the pavement section, crack-up asphalt and push and heave gravel under asphalt.”
Dirt roads are closed from November to March.
The main effect of load limits for farmers and truckers is restrictions on grain trucking this time of year.
“The vast majority of farmers know this is coming,” Storey said.
Special permits are granted for vehicles deemed essential, such as heating oil trucks, garbage trucks and school buses.
Others may apply.
“We won't be very open to more permits in the first few weeks at least,” Storey said.
Garth Meyer is a former Whitman County Gazette reporter.
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