The Director of the Department of Highways with respect to highways on the state highway system or local authorities with respect to highways under their jurisdiction, as defined in Title 69, may prohibit the operation of vehicles on any such highways, or impose restrictions as to the weights of vehicles to be operated upon any state or federal highway or any detour established for such highways, or for any bridge located upon such highways or detours, whenever any such highway, detour or bridge by reason of deterioration, rain, snow or other climatic conditions will be seriously damaged or destroyed unless the use of vehicles thereon is prohibited or the permissible weight reduced. Such restrictions shall be effective when signs giving notice thereof are erected upon the highway, detour, bridge, or portion thereof affected by such action, and the Department of Public Safety has been notified.

Laws 1961, p. 417, § 14-113.