Load Restrictions in Place on Three Idaho Highways Beginning January 12

ATHOL, ID – Starting Thursday, January 12, load limit restrictions will be in effect on three northern Idaho Highways: SH-3, SH-5, and SH-54.

According to the Idaho Transportation Department, the load limit restrictions are being prompted in an effort to reduce damage to roadways.

“In recent days, Idaho has experienced above average temperatures and precipitation which in-turn can lead to significant damage to highways, prompting state and local transportation agencies to enforce load restrictions,” read a release from the ITD.  

Restrictions on state highways apply to trucks that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or more. On state highways, vehicles of this size are required to reduce their speeds to 30 mph and weigh no more than 14,000 pounds per axle. On U.S. highways, they still must reduce their speed to 30 mph but can weigh more in accordance with legally permitted loads. 

Crews will continue to closely monitor road and weather conditions to determine if more routes will be subject to load restrictions in the coming days and weeks.

“While restrictions have the potential to cause significant congestion on highways with a mix of commercial and commuter traffic, they are a necessary preventative measure that ultimately reduces impacts and costs to drivers and citizens in the long term,” read the ITD release. 

According to the ITD, as temperatures increase, the frozen base underneath the road thaws and becomes saturated with water, which creates a weaker section below the pavement that can lead to potholes and cracks. Heavy loads can cause rapid deterioration of pavement in these conditions. Damage to the roadway may result in months of additional repairs in the summer, diverting maintenance dollars from being invested into other routes.

These load limit restrictions are only in place as long as necessary.