Transportation companies hauling heavier loads have some concerned about what that means to road upkeep and costs. This was among issues to arise at a North Dakota Department of Transportation public meeting Monday at the Days Inn-Grand Dakota Lodge and Convention Center.
"The backbone of our transportation system was built in the '50s, '60s and '70s," said Grant Levi, DOT deputy director for engineering. "I think we're starting to see bigger and heavier loads traveling across the state and I think you can see that in what I'll call oil country.
"Those heavy loads expect smoother roads and safe roads, and they're trying to travel at greater speeds."
Levi said the maximum gross vehicle weight in 1950 was about 73,000 pounds and now the maximum is about 105,000.
In order to keep the roads in the condition they are and to do construction that's needed, the agency would have to set aside more than $58,000 a mile for one side of the state's interstate system for major jobs, he added.
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Federal funding is vital to the roads, DOT Director Francis Ziegler said, with 57 percent of the DOT's budget federally funded. The state's budget during the last legislative session was about $1.3 billion.
Richard Simek, with Fisher Sand & Gravel Co. in Dickinson, expressed concerns over costs and restrictions when moving equipment.
