Effective 6 a.m. Monday, March 11, weight restrictions will be imposed and enforced on all Michigan state trunkline highways from Michigan/Indiana and Michigan/Ohio state lines north to and including the following:
- M-20 from the intersection of US-31 in Oceana County east to US-131 in Mecosta County
- North on US-131 to M-20
- East on M-20 to US-127 in Isabella County
- North on US-127 to M-61 in Clare County
- East on M-61 to the intersection of US-23 in the city of Standish, Arenac County
Note, state routes typically carry M, I or US designations.
Spring weight restrictions are imposed because roads are softened by trapped moisture beneath the pavement which makes travel dangerous. This moisture also contributes to pothole problems already occurring due to this winter’s numerous freeze-thaw cycles, according to the MDOT’s news release.
On all restricted areas, the following will apply:
- On routes designated as “All Season Routes” (green or gold on the MDOT Truck Operators Map) there will be no reduction in legal axle weight.
- On routes designated as “Seasonal” (solid or dashed red on the MDOT Truck Operators Map) there will be a weight reduction of 25% for rigid pavements and 35% for flexible pavements.
Extended permits will be valid for oversize only in the weight restricted area.
Single trip permits will not be issued for overweight loads or loads exceeding 14 feet in width, 11 axles and 150 feet in overall length in the weight restricted area.
Detailed Weight Restriction information may be obtained by linking to www.michigan.gov/truckers.