Selectboard weighs extra sheriff patrols after heavy trucks use small bridge

The Kirby selectboard on Monday discussed recurring use of a small one-lane bridge by heavy trucks and whether the town can secure enforcement or deterrence through signage and expanded sheriff patrols.

Select board member (S4) described ongoing problems with overweight trucks crossing a cracked short-span bridge and asked whether the board could ask the sheriff for roving patrols during morning and afternoon drive times to deter speeding and provide enforcement. S5 noted the contractor crews are using detours and that the town should coordinate with the state and contractors on routing.

The board reviewed the town’s sheriff contract, which members described as providing 10 hours of patrol coverage per month. Chair (S1) and others said scheduling is a challenge because the sheriff’s coverage is shared among neighboring towns; members suggested setting specific morning and afternoon windows (two hours each) when patrols would be most effective. S4 said scheduling patrols in drive times — once or twice a week — might reduce dangerous speeding and heavy traffic on narrow local roads.

Board members also recommended contacting state DOT or a DOT officer if trucks operate without required overload permits. S5 advised that permit compliance is ultimately the trucking company’s responsibility; the board discussed placing weight-limit signage but noted there are no signs posted on the bridge currently.

The board directed staff to pursue a conversation with the sheriff’s office to clarify hours and to report back with options for targeted patrol times or alternative enforcement steps.