County resumes load limit discussion

The Flathead County commissioners are expected to make a decision Tuesday about whether to allow heavier weight limits on a portion of Church Drive so farmers can get their fertilizer delivered in time for spring field work.

The commissioners will resume discussion of revised load limits at 10:15 a.m. Tuesday in the commission chambers on the third floor of the Courthouse in Kalispell. Those wishing to comment may do so at 9 a.m. during a 15-minute public comment session.

West Valley farmers and county Public Works Director Dave Prunty have asked the commissioners to consider changing to weight limit on Church Drive from 350 to 400 pounds per inch of tire width for 3.8 miles between Prairie View and Farm to Market roads.

Church Drive historically had been posted at the higher 400-pound limit but was changed to 350 last year. A portion of the east end of Church Drive was overlaid with asphalt two years ago.

Prunty said the Road Department inadvertently changed the load limit to 350 and said road officials were unaware of a 2008 engineering study for Church Drive that explained the structural integrity of the road. Also, in the 1970s residents in that area provided material to build a stronger road bed.

Commissioner Gary Krueger, one of the West Valley farmers who needs delivery of anhydrous ammonia fertilizer in the coming weeks, pointed out to the Daily Inter Lake that about a half-dozen county roads are posted at the higher 400-pound limit during spring breakup because they’re used by the gravel and timber industries.

Church Drive was among the 400-pound roads because of the need for agricultural and gravel hauling.

Commissioners Pam Holmquist and Phil Mitchell last week rejected Krueger’s motion to restore the 400-pound limit to the west end of Church Drive.

Features editor Lynnette Hintze may be reached at 758-4421 or by email at lhintze@dailyinterlake.com.