For more information, contact:
Kathleen Nichols, WisDOT Bureau of Highway Maintenance – Permits
(608) 261-0393, kathleen.nichols@dot.wi.gov
Spring Thaw, Class II road restrictions begin March 13
With temperatures expected to warm up significantly next week, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) has announced the frozen road declaration will end statewide effective Monday, March 9 at 12:01 a.m. In addition, Spring Thaw and Class II road restrictions will take effect statewide on Friday, March 13 at 12:01 a.m.
Class II roads include about 1,400 miles of state highways susceptible to damage from heavy trucks during the spring thaw period as frost leaves the ground. More information regarding Class II roadways and roadway postings can be found on WisDOT’s website at: www.dot.wisconsin.gov/travel/truck/weightrestrictions.htm.
Declaration of Spring Thaw also means suspension of most divisible load overweight permits. Because of the Spring Thaw, WisDOT permit numbers beginning with any of the following two-letter codes will be suspended until further notice: AC, AG, FF, MI, PB and RF. If the permit number begins with “GG”, please contact the WisDOT Permit Office at (608) 266-7320. More information on overweight permits can be found at www.dot.wisconsin.gov/business/carriers/osowgeneral.htm. A recorded message with information on road restrictions is available by calling (608) 266-8417.
If the permit is for a no-fee Implement of Husbandry (IoH) or an Agricultural Commercial Motor Vehicle (Ag CMV) contact the governmental jurisdiction that issued the permit. For permits issued by WisDOT, email questions to AgVehicles@dot.wi.gov.
County highways, town roads, and city and village streets may also be posted or limited to legal load limits or less. Decisions to place or lift weight restrictions on those roads are up to local units of government.
