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Ellis County adopts weight limits on several county bridges to comply with federal ratings
Summary
The board approved Resolution 2026-01 Jan. 6, directing the Public Works Director to post weight‑limit signs on multiple county bridges identified by engineering load ratings and authorizing enforcement upon posting and publication.
Public Works Director Brendan Mackay told the commission that engineering load ratings performed under the Kansas Bridge Load Rating Program required posting weight‑limit signs on county bridges that cannot safely carry legally loaded trucks. Mackay emphasized that "these signs are not enforceable until approved by resolution by the Board of County Commissioners." The list in the resolution identified multiple bridge locations and specific single‑truck or three‑truck posting options (for example, one location to be reduced to 12 tons or posted as 12/20/27 tons depending on sign type).
Commissioner Nathan Leiker asked how enforcement would occur for overweight vehicles; Mackay said Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) enforcement would be involved because the county lacks weigh equipment and authority. Chair Michael Berges moved to approve Resolution 2026‑01 and the board passed it by voice vote 3–0; the resolution takes effect upon publication in the county’s official newspaper.
