The city of Concord began posting “No Trucking – Load Limit 9 Tons” signs on Monday to prepare for the spring thaw.
Recent warmer temperatures and fluctuating weather patterns have already started the thawing process of any ice frozen underneath the asphalt (which forms frost heaves in the winter).
Roads contract back down when thawing; causing cracks and breaks in the pavement. This weakens the road structure and eventually potholes can form.
Road damage naturally occurs this time of year from the frequent thawing and freezing cycles, but heavy weight on weakened roads can cause additional harm.
Implementing the load limits helps minimize additional weight on the roads, which helps protect road structure and improve safety.
Crews are monitoring road conditions and patching potholes as they find them, but ask the community to please use the city’s online request tracker at concordnh.gov/requesttracker to report directly to them any they may not have found yet.
The load limit postings are weather and road condition dependent, but will likely remain in place through the end of March or early April.
Restrictions will continue as long as conditions require. Limits won’t be removed until all snow has melted and ditches are clear of any standing water.
The city does not issue permits for drivers for load limit postings, but drivers can call Concord General Services at 228-2737 to request for travel permissions of one to two loads before noon.
Visit concordnh.gov/ springoperations for more information and for a map and list of the roads that will be posted in Concord.
Angelina Zulkic
