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Commissioners give road department authority to set seasonal load limits
Summary
The board adopted Resolution No. 2656 giving the road director authority and flexibility to place spring load limits on county roads as pavement distress is observed, with commitment to provide advance notice when possible.
Flathead County commissioners on Feb. 12 adopted Resolution No. 2656 to establish 2026 road load limits and gave the Road Department director authority to impose limits when staff observe pavement distress.
Road director Dave Frunty told the board the change provides flexibility this year because weather and ground conditions differ from past years. "This resolution after talking with Tara, at the end of the resolution, I modified the language, to allow or you're giving me the authority to place the load limits on the road network when I and my staff tell me, hey, we're starting to see distress," Frunty said. He added staff will endeavor to provide notice (historically seven days) when feasible.
Commissioners expressed awareness of haul‑industry concerns and asked staff to communicate closely with haulers and logging interests. Frunty said staff have coordinated with the logging association and will notify stakeholders if limits are set.
Why it matters: Load limits protect fragile pavement during freeze/thaw and spring thaw conditions; the authority to set limits promptly aims to prevent road damage while balancing industry needs.
Outcome: Resolution 2656 was approved by voice vote; staff will monitor conditions and give as much advance notice as practical before implementing limits.
