Load limits imposed to protect highways

COEUR d’ALENE — The Idaho Transportation Department will impose load limits on three North Idaho highways beginning at 6 a.m. Friday to minimize damage to the roads from heavier vehicle loads using the routes during the freeze-thaw cycle.

The three affected roads include:

• Idaho 41 — Commercial vehicles 10,000 pounds and greater will be restricted to 30 mph and 14,000 pounds per axle, or legal axle weight, whichever is less, from milepost 8 (Highway 41-Highway 53 junction) to milepost 39 (U.S. 2 at Oldtown).

• Idaho 53 — Commercial vehicles 10,000 pounds and greater will be restricted to 30 mph and 14,000 pounds per axle, or legal axle weight, whichever is less, from milepost 0 (state line) to milepost 14 (U.S. 95).

• Idaho 54 — Commercial vehicles 10,000 pounds and greater will be restricted to 30 mph and 14,000 pounds per axle, or legal axle weight, whichever is less, from milepost 0 (state line) to milepost 15 (Bayview).

When subjected to high speeds and heavy loads, soft spots begin to wear, eventually breaking up and creating potholes.

Motorists are urged to be patient when traveling on highways where limitations have been placed.