Lincoln County commissioners approve spring load limits, enforcement letter, RAIF grant and highway bid advertising

The Lincoln County Board of Commissioners approved several routine but consequential items at its Jan. 13 meeting: a resolution setting 2026 spring load limits, authorization of a letter asking state carrier enforcement to assist with enforcement, approval of a Rural Access Infrastructure Fund (RAIF) grant to Norway Township for $112,000, and authorization to advertise annual highway supply bids.

Spring load limits: Lincoln County Highway Superintendent Terry Floyd presented a map identifying roads with temporary spring restrictions. The board moved, seconded and adopted a resolution setting spring load limits (red roads 7 tons per axle, 40-ton max; blue roads 6 tons per axle for gravel roads). The clerk recorded a roll-call vote; the motion carried.

Carrier enforcement letter: The board authorized the chair to sign a letter requesting assistance from the South Dakota highway patrol/carrier enforcement to help enforce the spring load limits. Floyd said the county routinely requests this support each year; commissioners approved the request and a roll-call vote was recorded.

RAIF grant award: The selection committee recommended Norway Township for structure 42-1396-2679 with a grant of $112,000. Commissioners moved and seconded to approve the award; the board voted to approve the grant. Floyd and commissioners noted state RAIF funds are limited and some counties remain working to spend earlier awards.

Annual supply bids: The board authorized the highway superintendent to advertise annual supply bids for concrete products, culverts, crushed concrete, plow cutting edges, grader blades, fuel, magnesium chloride, hot mix asphalt, riprap, rock salt and weed chemicals; bids are scheduled to open Feb. 18.

Each item was recorded in the meeting minutes with roll-call votes as read by the clerk. No motions failed or were tabled at this meeting.