TOPSHAM — The Board of Selectmen voted unanimously March 3 to allow the town’s public works director to post any roads as he sees fit in order to limit heavy vehicle loads, and to issue permits of exception and revoke permits if necessary.

Tad Hunter, the acting public works director, presented the board with a list of roads to be posted as of March 15: Winter Street/River Road from Main Street to Whitehouse Crossing Road, and Meadow Cross, Cathance, Ward, West Merrill and Robert’s Hill roads. Hunter said the roads would be posted for about a month, until the frost is gone.

Selectman Don Russell motioned for Hunter to post roads at his discretion, as opposed to following a set list. Municipalities post roads to keep heavy trucks from damaging them in the spring, when the roads are soft.

Knight said vehicles bearing loads of 23,000 pounds or more would be prohibited, and that exceptions include vehicles delivering home heating fuel, milk, feed, groceries and trash.

Selectman Jim Trusiani expressed concern about the impact the postings have on small contractors. He pointed out that for a long time the town did not post roads.

Knight noted that posted roads can be traveled upon while they are frozen, without a special permit.

Alex Lear can be reached at 781-3661 ext. 113 or alear@theforecaster.net.