Spring weight restrictions (PHOTO: DOT)
Department of Transportation Highway Maintenance Supervisor Brett Matthews says the unseasonably warm temperature forced many maintenance departments to go into spring limits early
Matthews says some of the state’s roads were not built for the rigors of modern heavy trucks. “In the springtime, when the frost comes out of the roads, the roads become very wet and damp and they become spongy. Heavy loads driving on those roads will damage them significantly.”
Matthews says you should be checking the signs posted on a road before you make your trip and plan accordingly. “Local and county roads will be handled by the municipality that’s responsible for those roads.”
The weight restrictions on state roads 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.
As always, make sure to check the road you’re driving on for the posted limit. If you do need a permit to travel on a road with a limit, make sure to contact your local or county highway department for authorization. (DOT website)
WSAU