Co. highway forced to repair road damage
By Debbie Lowe Staff writer

Too heavy for the road A heavy cement truck passes a highway sign warning drivers of county road work on CR150W. The road, damaged by heavy trucks hauling to a building site, continues to be repaired by the county's highway department. Comet photo by Jenna Beuhler

Many residents and taxpayers do not understand why some Carroll County roads are in such poor condition. A partial explanation was found last week on CR150W. There are no weight limits on county roads and no ordinances or policies guiding residents in what to do when they intend to haul large loads on them.

According to highway superintendent Ron Francis, one resident decided to build a chicken barn and hauled heavy loads on the road in tri-axle trucks which were too heavy for the road to endure.

"He didn't break any rules," Francis said about the builder. "But the road is completely destroyed now."

Francis said the road was turned to gravel earlier this year, but extensive repair work and additional stone was needed to make it passable after the building project began. He said more than $1,235 was spent on stone alone to make the road safe during and after the trucks stopped running.

It would be advantageous for the highway department to be notified of similar activity to prevent damage to county roads, according to Francis. Alternate routes could be suggested to lessen the destructive impact of heavy trucks.

For information about roads or to report planned heavy traffic, Francis can be reached at (574) 967- 4244.