2/28/2007
Northern Idaho motorists asked for patience around slower moving trucks
COEUR D'ALENE - Motorists across many northern Idaho highways should be patient where trucks are required to drive 30 mph to limit damage to roadways, the Idaho Transportation Department announced.
"The truck drivers are complying with the law and protecting our highways," Barbara Babic, spokesman for the transportation department, said. "When you come up behind one of these trucks, you need to be patient and pass safely and only in designated areas."
Northern Idaho's weather cycle over the past two months has made the roads vulnerable to breaking up, Babic said.
"There has been freezing weather followed by a thaw followed by more freezing weather," she said. "Potholes are created through this freeze/thaw cycle."
Sections of 10 northern Idaho highways are currently restricted. Restrictions are based upon the type of road construction, the amount of moisture, temperature conditions, and severity of the breakup. Idaho code allows the transportation department to reduce the speed and weight of trucks to minimize highway damage.
Signs are posted along the restricted highways. Truckers are also notified of the restrictions through the transportation department's traveler services web site, 511.idaho.gov.
"We appreciate the truckers' cooperation," Babic said. "They are good partners in protecting Idaho's highways."