October 31, 2007
On Wednesday, November 7, 2007 gravel roads will be embargoed north of Brighton and Coppock because of the closed bridge on Highway 78 over the Skunk River Bridge. The embargo will help mitigate the damage being done to gravel roads from the heavy commercial traffic.
The roads receiving the 5 ton embargo are 290th Street, 300th Street, and 315th Street between Highway 1 and the Coppock Road. County roads may be embargoed for 90 days during a calendar year. These roads will be embargoed for the remainder of time allowed or until conditions improve. Vehicles over 5 tons should follow the signed detour route and avoid the gravel roads in the area. The signed detour route from Coppock is north on W47 (Coppock Rd) to W55 (Wayland Rd) into Washington to Hwy 92 then west to Hwy 1 and finally back south on Hwy 1 to Brighton and Hwy 78.
County Engineer David Patterson said they have held off on embargoing these roads as long as possible to help facilitate in the transportation of crops from the field to market, but they can not wait any longer as 315 th Street is already starting to deteriorate from the heavy truck traffic.
Special permits for vehicles 5 tons or greater are available only if there is a need to move perishable farm produce, farm feeds, or fuel for home heating purposes to areas along these roads. Permits will not be issued to allow construction materials or equipment exceeding the weight limits to operate on the embargoed roadways. Over-weight vehicles traveling on restricted roads without a permit are subject to a fine.
Permits can be obtained from the County Engineer's Office at 210 West Main Street, Washington. License number(s) and driver's name(s) are needed of issuance of a permit. For more information call 319-653-7731 or visit www.washingtonroads.org.
