Spring thaw and posted roads

Harley Carmichael Jr., Special to The County
1 year ago

Warming temperatures are a welcome relief for many Maine residents. However, they also signal the start of road postings across The County.  

We at the Presque Isle Public Works Department encourage residents and businesses to check our website, presqueislemaine.gov, or our Facebook page for a current listing of posted roads.  

Permits are available on a case-by-case basis, at the sole discretion of the public works director.  Please visit the Public Works office at 5 Missile St. in Presque Isle to obtain a permit.

Roads are posted due to the spring thawing, which weakens the soils beneath the pavement, temporarily causing potholes, cracking and rutting. Heavy commercial vehicles cause further damage, so the posting restricts traffic based on weight.  

Posted roads are restricted to vehicles with a registered gross vehicle weight of 23,000 pounds.  

Fines vary from $250 to $1,000 per occurrence for anyone violating the posted limits.  

We realize these postings impact businesses, so the road conditions are monitored and restrictions are lifted as soon as possible.

If you have any questions regarding these postings, limits or permits, please contact the Public Works Department at 207-764-2560.

Harley Carmichael Jr. is the interim public works director for the city of Presque Isle.  He can be reached at 764-2560.