KALAMAZOO COUNTY, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Officials with the Kalamazoo County Road Commission (KCRC) are reminding drivers that seasonal weight restrictions will be in effect on March 1 at 6:00 a.m. on county roads not designated as all-season roads.
The weight restrictions, which reduce normal legal loads, apply only to multiple-axle vehicles, not pickup trucks or passenger cars. Seasonal weight restrictions lower axle-loading limits and reduce maximum travel speeds for certain vehicles.
Click here for the law about seasonal weight restrictions and their effect on axle loading and speed limits.
Designed to prevent roadway damage, the restrictions usually are temporary and are lifted once the spring thaw ends. An all-season road is built with stronger, thicker asphalt layers and can withstand large trucks during the spring thaw season.
The Road Commission of Kalamazoo County (RCKC) collaborated with numerous southern Michigan road agencies to implement the March 1 effective date based on data; these include the counties of Berrien, Calhoun, Cass, St. Joseph, and Van Buren.
Seasonal weight restrictions are enforced to minimize the damage caused during Michigan’s seasonal thaw. As the ground thaws in the spring, water is forced toward the surface and exerts pressure on roads, causing them to buckle and become more prone to damage.
The heavier the vehicle, the greater possible harm to roads. During the seasonal weight restriction period, trucks traveling on “posted” roads must carry lighter loads and travel at slower speeds.
For immediate update resources:
- RCKC Seasonal Weight Restriction Hot Line at 269-381-3170 extension 251
- RCKC Connect – Sign up for Utility and Plat alerts to receive notifications by email, text, or telephone
- For all-Season Routes and Restricted Structures Map and other all season route information, visit the Traffic section of the RCKC website Engineering page.
- Seasonal weight restriction information statewide, visit the County Road Association of MI website.
- Free mobile app can also be downloaded by searching “Michigan Seasonal Weight Restrictions” on the Google Play Store or iOS App Store
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