In working to address the issue of minimizing damage to roads from farm equipment a variety of practices are being used in Wisconsin. The use of these practices needs to be worked out between the maintaining road authorities and the road users involved. The solutions offered here are not intended to be comprehensive, nor should this information be considered a legal guide. Rather, it can be considered a starting point to encourage discussions among involved parties who wish to address road damage locally.
Some solutions will fit particular circumstances better than others. The practicality and legality of solutions will depend on the type of project being considered, the particular partners involved, and the type of road under consideration. Some governmental entities with jurisdictional control for road maintenance allow certain projects, while others are still considering or trying them on a pilot basis. When in doubt, conversation with local partners is recommended prior to making specific implementation plans.
IoH can operate on a highway if equipped with rubber tracks or tracks of an equivalent material if it will not injure the highway [s. 347.45 Wis. Stats.]
Solution: Balance or adjust axle weights
Who should be involved: Hauler, equipment owners
Considerations:
- One time equipment adjustment
- Re-calibrate if toolbar is added or removed
Solution: Paved road shoulders
Who should be involved: Maintaining road authority
Considerations:
- Additional installation costs
- Education needed so heavy loads or vehicles drive on road not shoulders
- May need wider right-of -way or property purchase from adjoining landowners
Solution: Avoid moving equipment when frost is leaving the ground or when road subgrade is wet
Who should be involved: Producer, hauler, maintaining road authority, possibly other regulatory agencies
Consideration:
- Already in effect with spring thaw road limits
- Requires dairies to spread most of manure in fall and in shallow soils which potentially increases nutrient loss
Solution: Move equipment in early morning
Who should be involved: Producer, hauler, maintaining road authority
Considerations:
- Schedules for producers and haulers
- Best suited for limited volume in early spring (to keep manure storage from overflowing)
- Ground may be frozen in early morning and increase the risk for runoff
Solution: Build roads with improved standards such as thicker asphalt and better subgrade
Who should be involved: Maintaining road authorities, producer (maybe providing financial assistance for upgrade), other government authorities
Considerations:
- Additional up-front investment to reduce long-term repair cost
Solution: One-way traffic during application or harvesting
Who should be involved: Producer, hauler, maintaining road authority, local law enforcement, citizens
Considerations:
- Already being done in some towns/counties
- Requires citizen education and cooperation
Solution: Road closure during application or harvesting to allow vehicles to park in middle of the road
Who should be involved: Producer, hauler, maintaining road authority, local law enforcement, citizens
Considerations:
- Requires citizen education and cooperation