The City of Concord posted “No Trucking – Load Limit 9 Tons” signs throughout Concord on Monday, March 15. This practice is performed annually at the onset of spring to protect roads from heavy vehicles during the spring thaw. Weight restrictions are posted on roads to help minimize additional road damage from heavy vehicles on weakened road structures.
Road structures are naturally weakened around this time of year from the frequent freezing and thawing cycles. The fluctuating temperatures can cause the ground to shift, leading to cracks in the pavement. Frost heaves are formed when snow and rain get through the cracks and freeze underneath the roads, expanding the road upwards. As temperatures warm, the ground thaws and the roads contract back down, causing breaks in the pavement, potholes, and weak road structures.
The road load limits of 9 tons will not affect the average car or truck, but will impact heavy construction vehicles and commercial trucking. The weight restrictions will help maintain road conditions as Concord General Services crews patch potholes and make road repairs when possible. Residents can report potholes using the City of Concord’s new reporting tool at www.concordnh.gov/seeclickfix or by downloading the new mobile app, MyConcordNH.
The load limit postings are weather and road condition dependent, but will likely remain in place through the end of March or early April. Restrictions will continue as long as conditions require. Limits will not be removed until all snow has melted and ditches are clear of any standing water.
The City of Concord does not issue permits for drivers for spring load limits. Drivers can call Concord General Services at (603) 228-2737 to request for travel permissions if necessary of 1-2 loads before noon. Find the list of streets that will be posted in Concord and more information at www.concordnh.gov/springoperations