Seasonal weight limit restrictions in effect
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Pursuant to Section 349.16 (1) (a) of the Wisconsin Statutes, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) Northwest Region announced the seasonal posting of weight limits on area state highways. The weight restrictions are 6 tons gross load for single axle vehicles and 10 tons gross load for tandem axle vehicles (any two axles under 8 feet apart). The maximum gross weight is 24 tons. School buses, trucks hauling milk, heating fuel and septic materials are exempt from seasonal load limits in accordance with section 349.16 (3) Wisconsin Statutes.
Seasonal weight restrictions started at noon on Tuesday, February 21, 2017 on the following highways:
• WIS 65, St Croix County, junction with County “H” in Star Prairie to St Croix County line
• WIS 65, Polk County, St. Croix County line to WIS 8
• WIS 169, Ashland County, WIS 13 north east to the Iron County line
Seasonal weight restrictions are placed on specific highways during the spring thaw period. The restrictions are added to routes that have poor foundations, with the goal of preventing pavement damage from legal-weight loads. In the event of unpredicted cold weather, the postings in each county may be delayed as conditions require and will become effective at the discretion of the State Highway Engineer.
In addition, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) announced the frozen road declaration has ended – along with starting implementation of Spring Thaw and Class II road restrictions. The changes took effect Saturday, February 18, 2017 at 12:01 a.m. in Zones 3, 4 and 5 (roughly the southern half of the state) and on Monday, February 20th at 12:01 a.m. in Zones 1 and 2 (northern half of Wisconsin).
Class II roads include about 1,400 miles of state highways susceptible to damage from heavy trucks during the spring thaw period as frost leaves the ground. More information regarding Class II roadways and roadway postings can be found on WisDOT’s website at http://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/dmv/com-drv-vehs/mtr-car-trkr/ssnl-wt-rsrctns/default.aspx by looking under “Weight Restriction Programs.”
• Declaration of Spring Thaw also means suspension of most divisible load overweight permits including permit numbers beginning with any of the following two-letter codes: AC, AG, FF, MI, PB and RF.
• Non-divisible load permit restriction: The following permit types are not valid on Class II Highways during spring thaw and may not exceed posted weight on any road or bridge: AA, AP, BH, GG, II, MH, MP, SA, SM, SS and ST. Transportation of liquid milk products under non-divisible permit type AA is also suspended.
County highways, town roads, and city and village streets may also be posted or limited to legal load limits or less. Decisions to place or lift weight restrictions on those roads are up to local units of government. More information on overweight permits can be found on the WisDOT website at http://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/dmv/com-drv-vehs/mtr-car-trkr/osowgeneral.aspx by searching under “oversize overweight permits.” Haulers with specific questions can contact WisDOT’s Oversize/Overweight Permits Unit at (608) 266-7320. A recorded message with general information on road restrictions is available by calling (608) 266-8417.
For more information regarding traffic impacts in the Northwest Region, you can follow the WisDOT on Twitter: @WisDOTnorthwest, and check the Wisconsin Department of Transportation 511 Web site at www.511wi.gov.
