Spring load limits to take effect Wednesday

Spring load limits for trucks have been set by the Flathead County commissioners and are scheduled to take effect Wednesday.

The Road and Bridge Department typically reserves the right to delay the load limits, however, depending on weather conditions.

“If weather stays cold, and the signs are not up, the load limits are not in place,” county Public Works Director Dave Prunty told the commissioners on March 1.

The temporary measure is intended to prevent damage to county roadways during the spring thaw by reducing the amount of weight they have to support.

Trucks will be limited to either 350 or 400 pounds per inch of tire width, depending on the number of axles per truck. That translates to truck weights ranging from 14,000 to 32,000 pounds.

In addition to weight limits, speed limits on most county roads are reduced to 35 mph during the thaw.

As roads dry out, the weight limits are lifted, typically first on the valley floor and later at higher elevations.

Prunty noted a couple of changes for this year. Church Drive and Jellison Road, which both provide access to area gravel pits, will be posted at 400 pounds per inch of tire width.

Last year a portion of Church Drive changed from 350 to 400 pounds, while the remainder of Church Drive between U.S. 93 and Prairie View Road continued at 350 pounds per inch of tire width. This year the entire length of Church Drive will be posted at 400 pounds.

Jellison Road has not been reinforced to handle gravel truck travel and therefore has “blown up for multiple years,” Prunty said.

“We’re requesting 400 on Jellison,” he said. “It will stop [gravel companies] from hauling full loads, but it’s consistent with other roads going to gravel and lumber areas.”

Prunty said the three gravel pit owners affected by the Jellison Road load limit have been notified.

Other county roads posted at the more restrictive 400-pound limit include Cemetery Road, Lake Blaine Road, McCaffery Road west of the Sullivan pit, Sunset Drive and Whitefish Stage Road from Kalispell city limits to West Reserve Drive.

Variances may be sought through the county Road and Bridge Department, which also has a complete list of roads affected by the load limits. If allowed, a permit will be granted during frozen road conditions. Hauling must be done between 4 and 9 a.m. The permit fee is $500 and requires a minimum 48-hour notice.

The Road Department will evaluate roads as conditions warrant for the removal of the restrictions, Prunty said. As conditions change, updates will be posted on the county website only.

For more information, call the Road Department at 406-758-5790 or go to the county website at flathead.mt.gov.

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