Spring Road Restrictions

2026 Spring Road Restrictions go into effect in Flathead County on Monday, March 2

Each spring in Flathead County, road restrictions impact construction projects. As frost melts and material under pavement becomes spongy, roads are at risk of being damaged by heavy equipment. These restrictions prevent Flathead Electric Cooperative’s heavy equipment, required for the installation of new electrical equipment, from traveling on county roads, typically between March 1 and April 15.

What You Should Know:

• Year-to-year fluctuations in weather can lengthen the restriction window. For example, in Spring 2025, restrictions went into effect on February 27 and were lifted on April 28.
• It should be noted that these restrictions never prevent the Co-op from responding to emergencies, including power outages.

Overweight Permits

• For non-emergency situations, Flathead County issues Overweight Permits to those unable or unwilling to wait for road restrictions to be lifted.
  • If a Co-op member requests a new service or has a project that requires the Co-op’s heavy equipment while road restrictions are in place, the Co-op must obtain an Overweight Permit on behalf of the member.
  • The requesting member must pay the Co-op for the permit before work can begin. If the member does not pay for the permit, they must wait for the restrictions to lift before work can proceed.

    

  • As of 2026, Overweight Permits are $1,000 per piece of overweight equipment, per day ($500 each way). Permit fees are subject to change by Flathead County. For more information, visit Flathead County Roads and Bridges.