Spring load limits for county roads in effect next week

Weight restrictions for trucks on all Flathead County roads go into effect on March 16.

Restrictions will remain in place until conditions warrant, but usually mid- to late-April, according to the county.

County commissioners approved the restrictions Thursday.

Depending on whether the vehicle is single axle or tandem axle, trucks will be limited to 350 to 400 pounds per inch of tire. According to the approved resolution, total weight can range from 14,000 to 32,000 pounds, again depending on the number of axles.

On most county roads, the load limit is 350 pounds per inch of tire width as marked with a 35 mph speed limit.

Restrictions will remain in place for higher elevation roads, usually two weeks after the valley floor, the county notes. The restrictions are put in place every spring when roads are at risk of being damaged by heavy trucks and equipment as the frost melts beneath the layers of the pavement, and materials under the asphalt turn wet and spongy.

Watch for road signs and for updated road information visit http://www.flathead.mt.gov/department-directory/roads-and-bridges