Union County adopts 7-ton-per-axle limit on certain county highways

The Union County Board of Commissioners on Jan. 20 adopted Resolution HD2026-01, restricting certain county highways to a load limit of 7 tons per axle to protect road surfaces during seasonal climatic changes.

The motion to approve the resolution was made by Commissioner Peggy Ustad and seconded by Commissioner Michael Dailey; the minutes state the motion "carried" (vote tally not specified in the minutes). The resolution cites South Dakota Codified Law 32-14-6 as authority for imposing the reduced weight limit and references SDCL 32-22-55 for penalties on violations.

Earlier in the meeting commissioners approved an agreement requesting assistance from the South Dakota Highway Patrol for weight-limit enforcement on county roads. According to the minutes, the County Highway Superintendent is directed to install warning signs notifying the traveling public that the restrictions are in force upon placement of the signs.

County officials framed the action as preventative maintenance to preserve pavement life and reduce long-term repair costs. The minutes record the board’s intent: the policy aims "for the preservation of our County Highways and ultimately, saving of tax dollars." The resolution is effective upon posting of signs; the minutes do not list a sunset date.

Next steps: the Highway Superintendent will install signage on the affected routes and law-enforcement partners will be authorized to enforce the posted weight limits. The minutes do not include a detailed list of the affected route segments or a vote tally; the board could be expected to publish the sign locations and enforcement start date in follow-up materials.