Wisconsin's Frozen Road Law Expands to Zones 3 and 4
Monday, February 10th, 2020 -- 8:34 AM
(Wisconsin Ag Connection) -Wisconsin's frozen road law has been expanded to include regions designated by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation as Zone 3 and 4.The expansion, which became effective on Saturday, covers the state except for Zone 5 in southeast Wisconsin. The frozen road determination for Zone 5 will be made once conditions warrant. The frozen road law allows heavier loads for trucks carrying logs cut crosswise, and salt and sand for winter maintenance while cold weather allows. WisDOT and county highway personnel monitor temperature forecasts, along with frost tubes to help determine when roads are adequately frozen to accommodate heavier loads. 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.
Special permits for hauling the increased weights are not required in Zone 1, but 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.
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