Michigan introduces new highway weight limits

The Michigan Department of Transportation is imposing additional annual weight limits to protect roads during the spring season.

Beginning Monday, March 14 at 7:00 am, weight limits are in effect on all state highways from the Michigan/Indiana and Michigan/Ohio state lines to the north to the Mackinac Bridge.

All state highways in this area will be subjected to weight restrictions. State routes are usually signified M, I or the USA.

As the snow is beginning to melt, roads are softening with moisture trapped under the pavement, making it more susceptible to damage. This increases pothole problems that result from the many freeze-thaw cycles this winter.

The following rules apply in restricted areas:

• 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.

Weight limits remain in effect until the roadway regains its stability.

District Highway Commissions and City Public Works Departments have their own seasonal weight limits.