Wisconsin's Frozen Road Law Now Statewide
Wednesday, February 6th, 2019 -- 8:03 AM
(Wisconsin Ag Connection) -Wisconsin's frozen road law has now expanded to include Zone 5 in southeast Wisconsin, meaning that the entire state is now under certain seasonal regulations.The frozen road law allows heavier loads for trucks carrying peeled or unpeeled forest products cut crosswise, and salt and sand for winter maintenance for a period of time determined by weather conditions. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation and county highway personnel monitor temperature forecasts, along with frost tubes to help determine when roads are adequately frozen to accommodate heavier loads. Each year, the declaration is issued once the ground under highway pavement is frozen to a depth of at least 18-inches, allowing the maximum gross weight for trucks hauling logs or salt and sand for maintaining roads in winter to go up to 98,000 pounds on vehicles with a minimum of five axles from the normal 80,000 pounds.
Effective February 2, special permits for hauling the increased weights are not required. However, vehicles must be legally licensed at 80,000 pounds to handle the increased weights. The higher weight limits do not apply to county or local roads unless authorized by the local agency having maintenance authority. Also, higher weights may not be transported on any highways or bridges specifically posted for lower weight limits.
Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.