Frozen road declaration ending statewide as spring thaw restrictions
implemented

Weight restrictions to be imposed on trucks statewide to preserve
roads Forecasts for warming weather throughout the state have prompted
the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) to announce that
the frozen road declaration will end and spring thaw requirements will
be in effect on all state highways effective at 12:01 a.m. on Monday,
Mar. 9, 2009.

State-maintained highways were declared frozen statewide on Dec. 22,
2008, allowing trucks
hauling specific types of forest products (peeled or unpeeled forest
products cut crosswise, not
including woodchips), or salt and/or sand to carry heavier loads.

A map depicting where and when the frozen road and spring thaw
declarations are effective and
where state highways are posted is available on the Wisconsin
Department of Transportation’s
Web site, as well as information on overweight permits.

Up-to-date information on the spring thaw period is also available by
calling (608) 266-8417.
The transition period when roadbeds change from a frozen condition
until the time when subgrades
under the roadway dry out and firm up is when heavy loads pose the
greatest threat to highways. The spring thaw weight restriction means
divisible load permits, such as for pulpwood hauling or garbage
transport, are suspended on all state highways. Use of other
state-issued, non-divisible, single trip permits is restricted on
Class II state highway sections.

In addition, some sections of Class II state highways will be posted
for less than the legal weight limit during this same period. Refer to
the WisDOT Web site for current information on state posted roads.