Spring is almost here — and so are seasonal weight restrictions in many Michigan counties.
Now is the time for farmers to review the restrictions, which can be found on a detailed map available from County Road Association of Michigan website.
Ag haulers can obtain exemption permits to enable movement of products and equipment when necessary by notifying the county road commission at least 48 hours in advance of the shipment. The permit provides a designated route, time, and maximum speed to be traveled. Other conditions the commission and hauler agree upon can be included.
“The goal of seasonal weight restrictions is to minimize the effects that freezing and thawing have on Michigan’s roads and bridges,” said Andrew Vermeesch, MFB legislative counsel. “Roads are vulnerable during this time, so road agencies enact weight restrictions — commonly referred to as frost laws — on roads that are not designated as all-season routes.”
According to the County Road Association of Michigan, while concrete and asphalt roads may look indestructible, they can actually be quite fragile in late winter as frost comes out of the ground. Even strong late-winter sunlight on the dark paved surface has a significant impact on a road.
As frost melts beneath a paved road, the roadbed turns wet and spongy because water is trapped between the pavement and the remaining ice layer beneath. When trucks and heavy equipment travel over a layer of concrete or asphalt that isn’t well supported beneath, permanent cracks and damage can occur.
Even though agricultural-use vehicles may be exempt to the restrictions, ag producers should pay attention to road conditions during the season and respect permit requirements, Vermeesch added.
Information for farmers about seasonal weight restrictions and other transportation and road safety regulations can also be found in Michigan Farm Bureau’s Michigan Farmer’s Transportation Guidebook.
