County OKs new limits for truck loads

Stutsman County will implement new maximum load limits for trucks when spring road restrictions lift this summer, the Stutsman County Commission decided Tuesday.

The idea, said Commissioner Dave Schwartz, is to reduce damage to roads by spreading loads out on multiple axles, which will also allow trucks to carry larger loads, potentially reducing truck traffic.

“Instead of maximum weight, we’re regulating it by per-axle weight,” Schwartz said.

When they go into effect, likely sometime in June when spring road restrictions are eased, the rules will pertain to all county roads, unless they are already restricted.

Townships will also be able to adopt the same restrictions, if they choose that option.

“Some townships are going to go all in. Some townships aren’t going to do it at all,” said Ernie Williams, president of the Stutsman County Township Association.

Townships could also wait until next year to adopt the system, Schwartz said.

“I know I’ve heard more than one that do not want it at all, period,” said Commissioner Mark Klose, the dissenter of the 4-1 vote, who wanted to wait until after townships have their meetings and could discuss the issue.

Before the axle weight system goes into effect, the county will put up a website with a color-coded map showing people where drivers can bring what loads. That way, they can simply check the map before deciding on a route and stay legal.

There are also charts showing different configurations of axles that will help show drivers what weights are allowed for their vehicle configuration.

Load permits for over-length, over-height or over-width vehicles will be available through the Stutsman County Highway Department.

The new weight restrictions are more consistent with the way the state determines weight restrictions, and both Dickey and LaMoure counties already have the system in place.

“We’ve already seen a huge increase in truck traffic. We’re anticipating many more (trucks) in anticipation of the expansion in Spiritwood (Energy Park),” Schwartz said.

In other news Tuesday, the commission:

* authorized the bidding process for the Law Enforcement Center’s lawn care.

* learned a boiler in the LEC needs to be replaced, which could cost $40,000. It may be possible to replace the boiler rather than the roof, which was due to be replaced at the cost of $80,000, and then replace the roof next year.

* accepted a grant for improvements to the LEC. The total cost of the projects is approximately $38,500, of which Stutsman County’s share is about $9,600.

* heard an update on planning for possible future development in and around Jamestown, from Cindy Gray of SRF Consultants. Gray gave commissioners a draft future land use plan.

* approved changes to the Local Emergency Planning Committee, which had lost some members who moved away, retired or changed jobs and could no longer be on the committee.

* agreed to support a grant request by the Stutsman County Fair Board for approximately $85,000, which would be used to improve the Livestock Arena.

Sun reporter Kari Lucin can be

reached at 701-952-8453

or by email at klucin@jamestownsun.com

Tags: local news, news