Cass County committee authorizes study of 129,000‑pound routes and adopting Load Pass permit software

The Cass County Road Advisory Committee voted to authorize the highway department to further research allowing 129,000‑pound permitted trucks on selected county highways and to explore upgrading the county’s Over Dimension Vehicle Regulation (policy 9.9) to incorporate the Load Pass online permit software.

Highway staff described the 129,000‑pound concept as an incrementally heavier permitted vehicle type that several neighboring counties (Walsh and Grand Forks were cited) already permit under a controlled route and permit system. Staff explained these larger combinations are configured with additional axles to reduce per‑tire loading and that, when properly configured, they can be comparable or less damaging in axle loading than some conventional configurations.

Staff also reviewed the county’s current permit revenue: historically the county brought in roughly $60,000–$70,000 per year before the diversion project; staff said that haul and diversion activity raised permit revenue in recent years and that the county expects roughly $120,000–$150,000 this year from permits. The presenter explained how the Load Pass fee model works: permits are graded based on gross vehicle weight and axle configuration, with a graduated fee system for loads under a certain threshold and a different, steeper fee calculation above a higher threshold (staff described a breakpoint around 150,000 pounds where fees rise sharply for nondivisible heavy loads).

Committee members noted jurisdictional and practical limits: very large combinations cannot practically use township roads or narrower routes, and routes must be selected where geometry and pavement structure are appropriate. Staff said preliminary maps show existing state routes in the area that already support higher legal weights and that any local 129,000‑pound route request would likely be configured to use those corridors where possible.

The committee approved a motion to authorize further research on permitting 129,000‑pound loads on select county roads. Later in the meeting the committee also moved to authorize staff to research upgrading Over Dimension Vehicle Regulation policy 9.9 to incorporate the Load Pass software; an additional second requested inclusion of analysis on potential fee increases and enhanced collections. Both motions carried by voice vote.

Ending: Staff will return with an analysis of suitable roads, pavement and structure considerations, expected fee revenue under Load Pass, and recommended policy language for policy 9.9 before any permitting changes are adopted.