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Clay County imposes seasonal weight limits to protect roads
Summary
To prevent spring pavement damage the Clay County Commission adopted seasonal axle weight limits (6 tons hard surface; 7 tons gravel) and instructed the Highway Patrol to enforce the posting under SD law.
The Clay County Board voted to limit axle weights on county roads during seasonal conditions and authorized the South Dakota Highway Patrol to enforce the signs.
At the Jan. 14, 2020 meeting the board adopted Resolution #2020‑03 under SDCL 32‑14‑6. The rule sets a six (6)‑ton per axle limit on hard surfaces and seven (7) tons on gravel roads "or as posted," with a county policy that all roads be posted “NOT to EXCEED 80,000 LBS.” Highway Superintendent Rod Polley advised commissioners that the seasonal drop in pavement strength makes early‑spring limits effective at protecting the surface.
Commissioner Powell moved for adoption and the board voted unanimously. Polley told the board the county will post the roads and notify regional partners so haulers can plan around seasonal restrictions.
Why this matters: weight limits protect pavement and reduce repair costs; the limits also trigger enforcement authority for state patrol and inform commercial haulers of seasonal restrictions.
Provenance: topicintro SEG 026; topfinish SEG 088
