A Scarborough Public Works truck plows seawater and ice off Route 1 during a storm on Jan. 17. Courtesy photo

SCARBOROUGH — The Scarborough Public Works Department has posted a list of road closures that went into effect starting Feb. 25 and will remain in effect until further notice. 

Due to seasonal changes roads have begun to thaw and are in a sensitive state. As temperatures rise, snow melts, and ice saturates the ground, it weakens the base that asphalt is laid on. The weakened base cannot support heavy loads and will result in costly road damage.  

The purpose of the restrictions is to prevent as much damage as possible. Road conditions are evaluated daily during this time and other roads may be posted if considered necessary by the Public Works Department. 

Vehicles weighing over 23,000 pounds will not have access to posted roads and should seek an alternate route. Exempted vehicles include heating oil trucks, trash trucks and school buses.  

According to a statement made by the Scarborough Public Works Department, a temporary lift of the restrictions could be possible when roadways are solidly frozen. 

“For a roadway to be considered “solidly frozen,” the air temperature must be 32°F or below and have no water showing in the cracks of the road. Both conditions must be met in order for Public Works to consider the temporary reprieve of travel restrictions,” said Scarborough Public Works Department. 

More information can be found on the public works page at https://www.scarboroughmaine.org/departments/public-works/