Though warming temperatures are a welcome relief for many Maine residents, they also signal the start of road postings across the state. MaineDOT is encouraging businesses to check its website, mainedot.gov, for a current listing of state and state-aid posted roads as well as an interactive map that shows the posting status. For local roads, it is best to contact the municipality to determine any restrictions.
Roads are posted due to the spring thaws that weaken 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. MaineDOT understands that road postings impact businesses so the road conditions are carefully monitored and restrictions are lifted as soon as it is prudent to do so.
According to Brian Burne, who heads the highway maintenance division at MaineDOT, approximately 2,600 miles of state and state-aid highways could potentially be posted each year, but actual postings tend to be just over 1,500 miles. Most postings last between six and eight weeks. "We update our website daily so businesses can check in to learn when restrictions are lifted. The website also includes all the policies, exemptions and other information regarding weight restrictions."