KMXT 100.1 FM Public Radio in Kodiak, Alaska
The State Department of Transportation has put weight restrictions on commercial vehicles traveling Kodiak roads, effective Thursday.
On paved roads maintained by the state, the limit is 75 percent of the vehicle’s legal axel load. That includes East and West Rezanof Drive, the Pasagshak Highway and most of the Chiniak Highway.
On gravel roads maintained by the state, the limit is just 50 percent of the legal axel load. The major area affected by that is most of the Chiniak Highway past the intersection with the Pasagshak turn-off.
As a result, A-1 Timber company trucks that have been logging Leisnoi land in Chiniak will have to make more runs to haul the same amount of logs to Woman’s Bay for shipment overseas.
Reports from Chiniak residents indicate both the gravel and paved portions of the highway are deteriorating this spring. The especially cold winter has caused significant frost heaves starting on Marine Hill just past Bell’s Flats.
In the announcement instituting the weight restrictions, DOT’s Central Region Manager for Maintenance and Operations Todd Vanhove said additional restrictions and weight limit modifications will be imposed as necessary.
