DAVIESS COUNTY — The Daviess County Highway Department has announced that a 10-ton load limit will be strictly enforced on all county-maintained roads beginning this Saturday, February 14. The restriction will remain in place until further notice.
County officials cited the extreme temperature fluctuations over the past several weeks as the primary driver for the decision. The region has experienced a significant freeze-thaw cycle, which can wreak havoc on local infrastructure.
While it may seem like just a change in weather, the transition from deep freezes to warming temperatures is the most dangerous time for road surfaces.
As the ground thaws from the surface down, melting snow and ice create a layer of water-saturated soil trapped between the asphalt and the still-frozen ground below. This waterlogged soil has significantly reduced strength, making the road foundation soft and unstable. Heavy loads traveling over these weakened foundations can cause immediate “rutting,” large potholes, and deep cracks that are costly to repair and dangerous for smaller vehicles.
To prevent the rapid deterioration of the county’s transportation network, any vehicle with a gross weight exceeding 20,000 pounds (10 tons) is prohibited from using county roads during this period unless a special permit is secured.
Residents and commercial operators can obtain a Load Limit Permit online at daviess.org or in person at the Daviess County Highway Department office. These permits typically authorize travel only on specifically designated haul routes that the Highway Department has deemed capable of supporting the weight.
Violation of these restrictions is typically considered a Class C infraction under Indiana law, which can carry fines up to $500 per violation.
The Highway Department will continue to monitor soil stability and local temperatures daily. Officials stated that the limits are a temporary but necessary measure to “preserve the integrity of the roads and ensure the safety of the traveling public.”
Residents are encouraged to check the county website regularly for updates on when the restrictions might be lifted as the ground fully thaws and stabilizes later this spring.
