Valley frontiersman., 1950-04-07

runOr OrrCl0Iy IT appears thdtfhe report concerning relaxed restrictions for trucks driving on our new highway povennents is true. Alaska Road Commission aren't saying anything for publication yet but they have informed interested persons that the con- pete prohibition of trucks probably will be relaxed to O load limitation restriction.
 There are even some who say thot there may not even be that much reguotion if mild spring brings about gradual breok-up
 We like the thought of thot new regulation much better. We think it's much foirer to the small nde- pendent truckers who make their livelihood by haul ing produce and merchandise We believe that if q paved road has to be carefully protected up here, that its must be prohibited for certain period of the year, then Wed better make up minds to do without pavement.
 A pavement that couldn't be used like q new chair in the living room that mustn't be sat on probably would last long time, but can't see any particular benefit deriving from either.
 lhen too, the load limitation provision is more in keeping with the policies in in the states, where similar weather conditions prevail. For instance. J. R. BrOT ey, superintendent of Wyonnng's Highway De- portnent, says. We use the policy of limiting loads each year those roads where it is apparent thot control is necessary.
 In North Dokoto M p. Wynkoop, chief engineer of the State Highway Department, reports thot Re strctons sturt rather high and later will be lowered consider necessary From studies that have been made, we believe thQt highways are not capable d carrying than so per cent of the load thot they ire designed tor during our spring breakup Our estrictions from 30 to 70 days in the spring, with perhaps 4o days as average length restriction eriod"
 In Montana, w. E. Bowden, senior assistant moin- enonce engineer of the State Highway Commission, oys that Toad limit restrictions are based the mount of rubber supporting the load. We find nat if we impose restrictions before the breakup be- onnes too bod or better still before the actual break p storts severe restrictions not generally nece. 1ry as the season progresses Commercial truckers re not generally hurt until the restrictions are under % pounds per inch width of tire roads We change restrictions the situation demands on various >ods, as the season progresses. We generally have od limit restrictions for period of approximately to 70 days in the early spring."
 Lucius D. Barrow, chief engineer of the State ighwoy Commission of Maine, writes that Maine stricts travel on certain highways from January rough May 5 Maine restrictions are based on type vehicle; for instance, under the restrictions 2o>Ie 1Ck or trailer can carry allowable gross weight ehicIe and load con7bined) Of eight tons. A three Ie truck q three-uxIe truck and serni-troier is owed, respectively, q load of nine and nine and q If tons, gross weight.
 We feel sure, since these states have been able to rk out od dustnents that fall short of complete clos eof paving to trucks that the Alaska Road Conmis- n can make similar od ustments for the territory
 Trucking is rapidly becoming one of the principal