Idaho Admin. Code r. 39.03.01.106

Current through September 2, 2024

Section 39.03.01.106 - SPRING BREAKUP SEASON LOAD RESTRICTIONS

01.Authority. The Department will have the authority to impose restrictions on sections of State roadways in order to ensure the safe travel for the citizens of Idaho and to protect the infrastructure of the state during periods of severe spring breakup. The Department, as much as practicable, will maintain standard load limits on these roads unless conditions are such that severe breakup will result.

02.Spring Breakup Restrictions. Depending upon the type of road construction, stability of the roadway, reduction in load bearing capacity, the amount of moisture, temperature conditions, and severity of frost heaves and breakup, routes or sections of routes may have restrictions applied by the department. A freeze-up of the pavement may temporarily restore the load-bearing capacity after a section has been posted for load and speed restrictions.

03.Maximum Weight Restriction. The possible restrictions on maximum weight may be one (1) of the following:

a. Sixteen thousand (16,000) pounds on any axle; or

b. Fourteen thousand (14,000) pounds on any axle; or

c. Twelve thousand (12,000) pounds on any axle.

04.Weight Limits Based On Tire Sizes. In administering load limits based on tire sizes or width of tires, credit for tubed tires will be based on the manufacturer's width marked on the tire; for example, a ten-point zero-zero by twenty-four (10.00 x 24) tire will be given credit for ten inches (10") of tire width. Tubeless tires will be credited for the width of the conventional tubed tires they replace.

05.Width Restrictions. When a weight restriction is applied under Subsection 106.02 of this section it will automatically restrict the width allowed by a special permit on two lane road. On any two (2) lane section of state roadways restricted to less than legal weight, the maximum width by the special permit will be restricted to twelve feet six inches (12'6") during the weight restriction period.

06.Speed Restrictions. When a weight restriction is applied under Subsection 106.02 of this section it will automatically restrict the speed of some vehicles. Trucks and buses with a gross weight of ten thousand (10,000) pounds or more will be restricted in critical areas to a maximum speed of thirty (30) miles per hour. Red and green markers will mark restricted speed zones. A red marker will mean speed is restricted to thirty (30) miles per hour, and a green marker will mean that legal speed may be resumed. These markers will generally be attached to existing highway signposts and, when properly used, will afford protection to the highway subgrade and surface and speed traffic flow.

07.Suspended Weight Limits. Normal overweight special permit limits may be suspended on all highways in the areas where spring breakup restriction are in force.

08.Weight Restrictions. The department is authorized to issue special permits to overweight vehicles in areas with spring breakup restrictions as long as all of the following conditions are met:

a. Minimum tire width on all tires is ten inches (10") or larger, and;

b. Maximum axle weight on any single axle having two (2) single wheels will not exceed ten thousand (10,000) pounds, and;

c. Maximum axle weight on any single axle having four (4) or more tires will not exceed fourteen thousand (14,000) pounds, and;

d. Permit is being requested for a non-divisible loads.

09.Temporary Waiver of Spring Breakup Restrictions. The department may temporarily waive the spring breakup restrictions by posting GREEN markers on the speed limit signs and other signs, if appropriate, within a section of the highway posted with restrictions. This may occur in the event that a freeze-up of the pavement may temporarily restore the load-bearing capacity after a section has been posted for load and speed restrictions or for other circumstances.

10.Spring Breakup Restriction Waivers. The department may allow exceptions to the spring breakup weight restrictions for emergency and critical service vehicle(s), i.e. fire trucks, heating fuel trucks, and other such service vehicles that are critical to the health and safety of the public. Documentation of special allowance will be in writing from the department and must be carried in the vehicle.

11.Restriction Signage. The department will sign and mark affected state highways the day before the weight and/or speed restrictions are in effect. The weight and/or speed restrictions will be enforced the day after signs and marks are posted.

Idaho Admin. Code r. 39.03.01.106

Effective July 1, 2024