By Madeleine Neal
To protect Johnson County roads, the county website has released a statement discussing possible road embargoes, when portions of roads are temporarily blocked.
Assistant county engineer Ed Bartels said the embargo process is always a tradeoff.
“[Embargoes] prevent so much damage later in the year,” he said. “[Embargos] keep heavy traffic off.”
Bartels said county engineer Greg Parker decides when roads will be embargoed.
In a release on its website, Johnson County cited Section 321.471 of the Iowa Code, which says the Johnson County Board of Supervisors may enforce weight restrictions on secondary-road systems in the county.
“If weight restrictions are enacted, the embargoed roads will be limited to any vehicle less than eight gross tons,” the release said. “Permits will not be issued to allow construction materials or equipment exceeding the weight limits to operate on embargoed roadways. Overweight vehicles traveling on restricted roads without a permit will be subject to prosecution.”
Permits for vehicles at or above eight gross tons can be granted to move farm produce, farm feeds, or heating fuels needed for homes. The website said permits will not be issued for construction materials or equipment exceeding the weight limits.
When embargoes are implemented, residents qualifying for permits may apply for permits in the Johnson County Secondary Road Department on Melrose Avenue West, by mail, or by contacting the department.