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Commission weighs truck restrictions for County Road 16A to protect recent repairs
Summary
County commissioners debated installing no‑truck or maximum‑weight signage on County Road 16A after thaw damage, discussed enforcement limits without scales, and directed staff to draft options (amend axle‑weight resolution or draft ordinance) for a future meeting.
Brookings County commissioners discussed measures to limit heavy traffic on County Road 16A (2 14th Street / County Road 16A) after spring thaw produced significant damage in the eastbound lane.
Commissioner discussion centered on options to protect recent investments: maintain the existing 7‑ton per axle posting, change signs to a lower maximum (4–5 tons per axle), or adopt a no‑through‑trucks rule enforced by ordinance. Highway superintendent Brian explained repairs are planned for summer and said signs could be ordered now to educate drivers. County legal counsel noted that a maximum weight posting tied to existing statute provides an enforceable penalty (class 2 misdemeanor) once properly noticed; by contrast, a 'no through trucks' rule would require drafting an ordinance with defined penalties.
Sheriff's office staff and commissioners raised practical enforcement concerns, including the county's lack of scales and training for weight enforcement, and suggested initial focus on signage and public education. Commissioners directed staff and the county attorney to prepare noticed language for the next meeting (possible amendment to Resolution 26‑05) and to bring back a recommendation about tonnage and sign placement.
