Road Load Limits in Concord Begin on Monday, March 10

The City of Concord will begin posting load limits on streets in Concord starting Monday, March 10. Seasonal weight restrictions of 9 tons are posted on roads annually at the onset of spring to minimize trucking and protect roads from heavy commercial or construction vehicles during the spring thaw.

Restrictions will continue as long as conditions require. Load limits are dependent upon weather and road conditions but will likely remain in place through the end of March or early April. Limits will not be removed until all snow has melted and ditches are clear of standing water.

Road structures are naturally weakened this time of year from the freezing and thawing cycles. 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 roads contract back down, causing breaks in the pavement and potholes.

The weight restrictions will help maintain road conditions as Concord General Services crews continue patching potholes and making road repairs when possible. Residents can report potholes using the City of Concord’s reporting tool on the MyConcordNH mobile app or at www.concordnh.gov/seeclickfix.

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 travel permissions if necessary, for one or two loads within the morning.

More information and a list of streets with weight restrictions can be found online at www.concordnh.gov/springoperations.