RBC begins weight restrictions on roads

RBC — Spring load restrictions of 14,000 pounds per axle have been implemented on Rio Blanco County roads 5, 7 and 21, Dave Morlan, RBC’s director of road and bridge, told county commissioners at Monday’s regular meeting.
Morlan said the restrictions on RBC Road 21 (Bonanza Road), were implemented Feb. 29 and restrictions on RBC 5 (Piceance Creek) and RBC 7 (Strawberry Creek Road) began March 7. Probes are used to constantly measure the moisture and strength testing is performed on the restricted roads. The duration of the restrictions is unknown but according to the RBC Web site, historically lasts six to eight weeks.
The RBC Sheriff’s Office will use portable scales to strictly enforce the spring load restrictions to prevent further damage to the roads, during the spring thaw.
After the regular meeting, the commissioners, along with Colleen Hannon, RBC’s consulting planner and several department heads, held a workshop to discuss the county’s master plan, its land use resolution (LUR) and proposed impact fees.
The master plan, which has not been reviewed in the last two years, will first be reviewed before revising the LUR.
A socio-economic survey of the region, expected to be released in April, will be used to update the trends in the master plan.
County officials will meet with industry officials and try to finalize impact fees, which will be used for capital improvements, with reconstruction of RBC Road 5 everyone’s priority.
In other business, the commissioners approved additional funds for a total of $53,000 for the Rangely School District. The commissioners also awarded bids for several vehicles and for dust control materials and opened bids for the county’s 2008 crack-fill project.