Michigan Department of Transportation issues seasonal vehicle weight restriction notice
Spring weight restrictions on vehicles traveling on "state trunklines" will begin Monday in much of southern Michigan.
The Michigan Department of Transportation issued the notice Thursday, working with local agencies in the annual late winter efforts to protect road conditions and prevent potholes.
State trunklines typically have M, I or US designations in the route names.
The restrictions start 6 p.m. Monday for the state trunklines from the Indiana and Ohio borders, north to and including US-10 in Mason County from the M-116 intersection; then east to US-1227 in Clare Cokunty, then north on US-127 to M-61, then east on M-61 until the intersection with US-23 in Arenac County.
"When roads that have been frozen all winter begin to thaw from the surface downward, melting snow and ice saturate the softened ground. During the spring thaw, the roadbed softened by trapped moisture beneath the pavement makes it more susceptible to damage," the press release explained. "This contributes to pothole problems already occurring due to this winter's numerous freeze-thaw cycles."
MDOT starts the weight restriction rules 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 the roadbeds regain stability.
Truck drivers are asked to observe the markings for "all season" vs. "seasonal" routes on the official MDOT Truck Operators Map.
Extended permits will be valid for oversize loads in the weight-restricted area on the restricted routes. Single-trip permits will not be issued in many cases for overweight or oversized loads on the restricted routes.
County road commissions and city public works departments also may impose their own seasonal road weight restrictions, with signs posted to indicate when they are in effect.
For weight restriction maps, information and updates, call 800-787-8960, or go to MDOT's website at www.Michigan.gov/Truckers.
