Spring is in the air, and that means more large trucks and farm machinery on the roads.
DeKalb County Sheriff Roger Scott says as the snow melts and the ground thaws, the softer ground makes roads more susceptible to damage. To protect them, many side roads are closed to semitrailers until the soil dries and stabilizes.
“And so you might see an increase of semi traffic on the regular arteries of the county. And of course, in addition to that, the roads are shifting a little bit, so they may have some cracks and bumps where you don’t normally see them.”
Scott says after a long winter, everyone is anxious to get out. That includes farmers who need to get equipment to their fields. That means a big increase in the number of slow-moving farm vehicles
“Especially on the county and township roads, with the curves and hills, people really need to slow down. You could pop up over a hill and there may be a farm tractor or implement ahead of you.”
Scott says drivers should be mindful of the temporary increase in traffic, and drive accordingly. In other words: slow down, be alert, and be patient.
People wanting to know the status of their local roads are advised to contact their county, township or municipal road departments.
