Selectmen decide not to post temporary weight limit on Rand Hill Road during state detour; town to press for clearer state signage and update website

The Alton Board of Selectmen discussed whether to post a temporary weight limit on Rand Hill Road after the state designated local detours for a bridge project. After hearing from public works staff and reviewing enforcement and signage challenges, the board concluded it should not post a new temporary weight limit and will instead press the state for clearer truck-routing signage and publish local guidance for residents.

Public works staff member Seth told the board that the town can set temporary weight limits but warned of enforcement difficulties because Rand Hill Road had not previously been posted. "I don't have anything that says exactly what the max capacity is," Seth said, noting the road is currently solid after a dry summer and that spring frost conditions are the usual basis for temporary posting. He cautioned that courts scrutinize the justification for changing a previously unposted road's status.

Town Administrator (unnamed) and other members emphasized the state's role in directing primary detour traffic. The town's discussion noted Route 140 is the state's advertised primary detour; Rand Hill had been intended as a secondary, local-traffic route. The administrator summarized residents' questions and the practical problems of oversized vehicles turning around on narrow town roads.

A town official recommended leaving the road unposted because prior unposted status complicates enforcement and because the state had planned additional signage. "I feel we should leave it as is," the administrator told the board. The board agreed to request the state install clearer signage at key approaches and to add explanatory information to the town website and social-media channels so local residents understand that local access remains available and that only the immediate work zone is closed.

Board members also discussed other interim measures the state planned, including additional signage at Busy Corner and possible blocking or repurposing of certain parking spaces to guide detour traffic. The detour period discussed during the meeting was about 20 days; the board and staff encouraged earlier placement of state signage to reduce confusion for truck drivers unfamiliar with local roads.