SANFORD — The city is considering posting some roadways that would prohibit travel over them by heavy vehicles this spring.

It is a measure taken by a number of municipalities for local roads, and by the state as well, on state-owned roads and roads that are considered state-aid highways. According to the state transportation department, limiting road weights to 23,000 pounds per vehicle is designed to prevent damage in the spring freeze-and-thaw cycle.

A hearing by the City Council on the prospect of weight restrictions last week drew no public comment. Public Works Director Matthew Hill told the council he sent a letter to 40 businesses that could be affected by the posting, and received two responses – one from a local trucking company and another from one in Lebanon.

“Spring roads are partially thawed and partially frozen,” Hill explained to the council. “When a wheel goes across it, it has an adverse effect; asphalt tends to crack.”

“It makes a lot of sense … and it doesn’t have to be unfriendly to business,” Hill said further of the proposal.

The proposed measure has been the subject of conversation by a council subcommittee. 

Councilor Alan Walsh said he believes the measure to post some Sanford roads needs a “long hard look,” and he added he believes there’s’ “a lot to do” to make sure the proposal doesn’t harm businesses and protects roads at the same time.

If Sanford were to adopt the measure, it would be considered a pilot project, because there’s currently no ordinance concerning road weight postings.

Councilor Fred Smith said other communities post weight limits, but have exemptions for spring mornings when temperatures are below 32 degrees.

Hill explained there are a number of exemptions like the one Smith mentioned, as well as exemptions for fuel oil trucks, emergency vehicle, school buses and the like.

City Manager Steve Buck pointed out that perishable commodities are also exempted. Buck said he believes weight restrictions are a good idea.

“I think it is high time Sanford considered it,” Buck said. He said he’d like the council to act on the proposal at the March 3 council meeting, as the freeze-and-thaw cycle is approaching.

Cities like Biddeford and Saco post weight limits for spring roads, as do some neighboring communities like Alfred and Waterboro.

Many of the roads under consideration for weight limit posting are on the city’s outskirts, though River and Grammar streets are intown.

For a full list of rod under consideration for weight restrictions, visit www.sanfordmaine.org and click on “proposed road posting map,” under the public notice bulletin board on the home page.

— Senior Staff Writer Tammy Wells can be contacted at 324-4444 (local call in Sanford) or 282-1535, ext. 327 or [email protected].