The DeKalb City Council has made changes to the municipal code with hopes that its roads will last a few more years.

The weight limit of Loves Road, between Barber Greene Road and Pine Street, is now 12 metric tons, down from the previous limit of 40.

“We want to ensure that our roads have the longest life possible,” DeKalb City Engineer Joel Maurer said. “Without the lower weight limit, the road would only last about 15 years – now we can expect to get 25.”

The road that serves as a major artery for construction traffic to the expanding town of Cortland will force construction companies to use alternate routes.

“This is a major issue for us,” said Brian Grainger, president of Grainger Construction. “If we can’t use that road, we’re going to have to drive right through residential areas.”

The weight limit imposed on Loves Road will only allow for empty trucks, he said.

“I try to keep heavy equipment away from where the kids play,” he said. “Now it is going to be harder to do that.”

The change in the weight limit for the road was made possible because of a recent boundary agreement that was reached between DeKalb and Cortland.

“The agreement was just passed last month,” said Rick Monas, DeKalb director of public works. “Both towns will share the maintenance of this road.”

It is in both parties’ best interests to protect Loves Road from excessive truck weights, he said.

There will be fines and penalties for trucks that violate the new ordinance, he said.

“It is no different than a speed limit violation, with fines ranging from $50 to $500,” he said.

Roads in the area that are still truck friendly include Old Pleasant Street and Somonauk Road, he said.