Frozen Road Law Is Now In Effect In Part Of Wisconsin

While we do get a brief warm-up this week, the fact of the matter is that cold temperatures will quickly return to Wisconsin as the first day of winter arrives on Sunday, December 21.

Therefore, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation announced recently that the frozen road law is now in effect in part of the state.

The frozen road law allows vehicles hauling abrasives or salt for highway winter maintenance, as well as certain forest products, to carry more weight. WisDOT notes that the seasonal weight restriction program is one way to protect Wisconsin's investments in roads.

Where In Wisconsin Is The Frozen Road Law In Effect?

Wisconsin's frozen road law is now in effect for the northern half of the state. WisDOT designates the region as Zones 1 and 2, which includes US 10 near Stevens Point, along with numbered state and federal highways north of US 10. The determination for other areas of the state to be frozen roads will be made when conditions warrant.

The department maintains an interactive map for seasonal weight restrictions, which shows ​the updated frozen roads boundaries, Class II roads, and posted roads.

When Does WisDOT Decide When  To Enact The Law?

According to WisDOT, it, along with county highway personnel, monitors temperature forecasts, along with frost tubes, liquid-filled devices under pavement, 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 Zones 1 and 2; 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.

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Lastly, WisDOT says that haulers with specific questions can contact its Oversize/Overweight Permits Unit at (608) 266-7320. A recorded message with general information on road restrictions is available by calling (608) 266-8417.​