BOISE, ID – The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) has announced that spring road restrictions will commence on certain North Idaho highways starting at 6 a.m. tomorrow, February 28, 2025. These measures are in response to warming weather conditions and aim to protect roadways during the seasonal freeze-thaw cycle.
The initial restrictions will affect sections of state highways in Boundary County:
- US-95: From the US-2 junction to Eastport (milepost 511 to 538.56).
- Commercial vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 10,000 pounds or more are limited to 30 miles per hour with legal axle weight.
- US-2: From the US-95 junction to the Montana state line (milepost 64.35 to 80.18).
- Commercial vehicles 10,000 GVWR and greater are restricted to 30 miles per hour with legal axle weight.
- SH-1: From the US-95 junction to Porthill (milepost 0 to 11.19).
- Commercial vehicles 10,000 GVWR and greater are restricted to 30 miles per hour and 14,000 pounds per axle, or legal axle weight, whichever is less.
Similar restrictions are anticipated for State Highways 200 and 57 in Bonner County starting next week.
As the season progresses, additional highways across the Idaho Panhandle may also experience load limits and speed restrictions. These are indicated by red and green flags on load limit signs:
- Red flags: Restrictions are in effect; large vehicles must adhere to reduced limits.
- Green flags: No restrictions; all traffic can proceed without limitations.
ITD crews continuously monitor weather and road conditions to determine the necessity of these restrictions, which may be applied intermittently as conditions change.
“These restrictions are put in place when the highways start showing signs of stress from the winter freeze/thaw cycle,” said Boundary Foreman George Shutes.
The thawing process softens the ground beneath roadways, making them susceptible to damage from heavy vehicles. Implementing speed and weight limits helps prevent issues like severe potholes, thereby extending the lifespan of the roads and conserving taxpayer funds.
During restriction periods, state law does not mandate that large vehicles pull over to allow others to pass, which may lead to potential delays due to reduced speeds on affected highways.
“The best thing people can do this time of year is give themselves a little extra time to get from point A to point B,” advised Idaho State Police Sergeant Ron Sutton.
“Too often we see people get impatient and take unnecessary risks, like attempting to pass when it’s not safe, and those decisions can lead to disaster.”
For up-to-date in
formation on road restrictions, drivers can consult the Idaho 511 system online or via the mobile app. Online users should select the ‘Restrictions’ option under ‘Trucker Information’ on the right-side menu. Mobile users can switch to ‘Trucker view’ mode to access restriction details.
The original press release from ITD is available here.
