Some weight restrictions lifted starting Monday in Michigan

LANSING, Mich. (WNEM) - The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is adjusting spring weight restrictions in areas across Michigan to protect local roads.

Starting at 6 a.m. on Monday, April 13, weight restrictions will be lifted on all state trunkline highways from the southern Michigan border north, including US-10 in Ludington, Mason County, at the M-116 intersection, east to M-66 in Osceola County, north to M-61 in Osceola County, and then east to US-23 in Standish, Arenac County, including the entire thumb area.

MDOT said frost restrictions are still in effect for the rest of the state and will be imposed and enforced on all state highways north of the US-10/M-61 line, including the entire Upper Peninsula and Mackinac Island.

In the restricted areas, the following will apply:

• On routes designated as “all-season”, there will be no reduction in legal axle weights.
• All extended permits will be valid for oversize loads in the weight-restricted area on the restricted routes. Single-trip permits will not be issued for any overweight loads or loads exceeding 14 feet in width, 11 axles, and 150 feet in overall length on the restricted routes.
• On routes designated as “seasonal”, there will be a posted weight reduction of 25 percent for rigid (concrete) pavements and 35 percent for flexible (asphalt) pavements, and maximum speed of 35 mph for some vehicles.

MDOT said drivers must follow the speed limits for weight restricted roads, per state law.

When roads that have been frozen all winter begin to thaw from the surface downward, melting snow and ice can saturate the softened ground. During the spring thaw, the road softened by trapped moisture beneath the pavement can make it more susceptible to damage. This can create potholes.

MDOT determines when weight restrictions begin each spring by measuring frost depths along state highways, observing road conditions and monitoring weather forecasts. Weight restrictions remain in effect until the frost line is deep enough to allow moisture to escape and the roadbeds regain stability.

County road commissions and city public works departments can have their own seasonal weight restrictions, which does not always coincide with MDOT’s highway weight restrictions. Signs are generally posted to indicate which routes have weight restrictions in effect.

For weight restriction information and updates, call 800-787-8960 or you can access the information online here. All-season routes are marked in green and gold on the MDOT Truck Operators Map.

Trucking companies located in New Jersey and Canada can learn more information by calling 517-373-6256.

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