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Selectmen authorize temporary posting of dirt roads starting March 9 amid warm forecasts
Summary
Citing a forecast of sustained warm weather, the Farmington Board of Selectmen authorized Highway Supervisor Ed Brannan to post dirt roads beginning March 9 for up to six weeks to limit spring damage; the board noted exemptions handled case-by-case.
The Farmington Board of Selectmen voted unanimously on March 2 to authorize Highway Supervisor Ed Brannan to post town dirt roads beginning March 9, 2026, for a period not to exceed six weeks, in response to forecasted warm weather and the resulting thaw that can create hazardous and damaging muddy conditions.
Board members discussed exemptions and the practical impact of a posting: fuel and large commercial deliveries are typically treated as exemptions by policy or practice; small-business deliveries and personal service movements can be affected and often require case-by-case approval from the highway supervisor. "If we're going to post a ban as of the 9th...we need to keep in mind it's an imposition on community members," Vice Chairman Charlie King said, urging staff to limit duration where possible.
Chairman Gerry Vachon and others noted the town has historically allowed limited exceptions for essential moves, and that the six-week window is intended as a maximum; if weather conditions permit, the board expects to lift the posting earlier. Mr. Brannan requested the authority to post when conditions warrant; the motion (Vachon/King) passed 5-0.
Implementation steps include posting notices, advising local contractors and haulers of the restriction, and handling individual exemption requests through the Highway Department.
