March 9, 2010
Each year, the Washington County Board of Supervisors may impose weight restrictions on specific secondary roads within Washington County, pursuant to Section 321.471 of the Iowa Code. March through May is a common time for the county to post weight restrictions on county roadways because of the changing weather conditions and deteriorating roads. The resolution used to enact an embargo allows the County to place signs and enforce the restriction for up to ninety (90) days during the year. These restrictions are in effect whenever the signs are in place and limit vehicles on the road to less than five (5) gross tons.
Effective Tuesday, March 09, 2010, Washington County is placing an embargo on the following roads:
Fir Avenue from G38 to Hwy 92
Ginkgo Avenue from G38 to Hwy 92
County Engineer Jacob Thorius stated, “The reason for embargoing roads is to minimize their damage as the frost comes out during the spring thaw. We have received a lot of snow in the County this year, and the roads are going to be saturated and more susceptible to damage from heavy loads. Everybody's cooperation during the embargos is very much appreciated, because less damage to the roads results in better roads and reduced expenses for Washington County taxpayers.”
The County Engineer's Office may issue a special permit to allow vehicles in excess of 5 gross tons to operate on the embargoed roads. In order to obtain a permit an individual must demonstrate the need to move farm produce of the type subject to rapid spoilage or loss of value, or the need to move farm commodities, or home heating fuel along the road. Individuals operating a vehicle over 5 tons on an embargoed road without a permit will be at the risk of being fined.
Embargo permits are available at www.washingtonroads.org or they may be obtained from the Washington County Engineer's Office. Information needed for the permit includes vehicle license plate number(s), owner and driver information as well as the product being transported, the dates being hauled and the haul route being used. For more information, please call (319) 653-7731.
