Seasonal spring weight restrictions go into effect this coming week.

The Michigan Department of Transportation and local agencies are enacting additional annual spring weight restrictions to protect roads starting at 6am Monday. Each spring, in accordance with state law, weight limits are reduced on non-all-weather roads as temperatures begin to rise and the ground begins to thaw. The restrictions do not affect passenger vehicles, but apply to commercial trucks.
The restrictions limit the amount of weight trucks can carry on the roads and are intended to minimize damage to the roads while the ground is thawing. County road commissions and city public works departments put in place their own seasonal weight restrictions, which usually, but not always, coincide with state highway weight restrictions. Signs are generally posted to indicate which routes have weight restrictions in effect.

Officials say the restrictions help ensure roads last as long as possible, with fewer potholes. Livingston County Road Commission Managing Director Mike Craine tells WHMI “compliance with these seasonal restrictions saves everybody money in the long run.” The weight restrictions have an impact on several industries including building construction, because it restricts companies’ ability to move heavy equipment. The restrictions do not prevent trucks from operating on affected roads; they just have to operate with a reduced load. Weight restrictions are enforced by weighmasters employed by the Road Commission, the state, local communities or the Sheriff’s Department. Violations can result in a citation and fine.

For weight restriction information and updates, call 800-787-8960, or visit MDOT's website at www.michigan.gov/truckers, under "Restrictions." The link is provided.

Anyone wanting an update on the status of the weight restrictions can call the Road Commission for Oakland County’s weight restrictions hotline at (248) 858-4765, or view the attached press release. (JM)