Wisconsin's frozen road law took effect last week for the region designated by the Wisconsin Department of Transportation as Zone 1. That includes U.S. Highway 8 along with numbered state and federal highways north of that line.
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, 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.
The frozen road law allows vehicles hauling abrasives or salt for highway winter maintenance and certain forest products to carry more weight.
The frozen road determination for other areas of the state will be made when conditions warrant.
Categories: Wisconsin, Business, Rural Lifestyle