The Michigan Department of Transportation, together with local authorities, are implementing spring weight restrictions as a yearly measure to safeguard the roads. The department stated that this action is essential.

Effective at 6 a.m. Monday, Feb. 13, weight restrictions will be imposed and enforced on all state trunkline highways from the Michigan/Indiana and Michigan/Ohio state lines north to and including M-55 from the intersection with US-31 in Manistee, then east on M-55 to the intersection with M-66 in Missaukee County, then north on M-66 to the intersection with M-55 in Missaukee County, then east on M-55 to the intersection with US-23 in Tawas City. 

In this area, weight restrictions will be put in place and strictly followed on all state highways. These highways are usually identified with the designations M, I, or US.

MDOT stated that during the spring thaw, roads that have been frozen all winter start to thaw from the top down. As snow and ice melt, the moisture penetrates the softened ground, making the roadbed vulnerable to damage. The repeated freeze-thaw cycles from this winter have exacerbated the problem and led to an increase in potholes.

In the restricted areas, the following will apply:

  • On routes designated as “all-season” (designated in green and gold on the MDOT Truck Operators Map), there will be no reduction in legal axle weights
  • On routes designated as “seasonal” (designated in solid or dashed red on the MDOT Truck Operators Map), there will be a posted weight reduction of 25 percent for rigid (concrete) pavements and 35 percent for flexible (asphalt) pavements
  • 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.

According to MDOT, the timing of weight restrictions in the spring is determined by examining factors such as the depth of frost along state highways, the state of the roads, and weather forecasts. The restrictions will remain in place until the frost has reached a sufficient depth to permit moisture to escape and the road beds have become sturdy again.

Local road commissions and city public works departments implement their own weight restrictions during certain times of the year, which are typically but not always aligned with the restrictions on state highways. Signs are usually displayed to show which routes have weight restrictions in place.

To obtain information and updates on weight restrictions, individuals can either call 800-787-8960 or visit MDOT’s website at www.Michigan.gov/Truckers and find the information under the “Restrictions” section. The routes that have no weight restrictions during any season are marked in green and gold on the MDOT Truck Operators Map, which can be viewed online. Additionally, individuals can sign up to receive email alerts.