The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) North Central Region announced the seasonal posting of weight limits on area state highways. The weight restrictions are six tons for a single axle and 10 tons any two axles less than eight-feet apart. The maximum gross weight is 24 tons.
Class II Road Restrictions began statewide Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024, at 12:01 a.m. Posted Road restrictions began Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024, at 12:01 a.m. (except WIS 54 and WIS 173 in Wood County). Affected roads in the North Central Region include:
- WIS 52, Langlade County, from WIS 55 to North Langlade County line.
- WIS 52, Forest County, from South Forest County line to Smith Road.
- WIS 107, Marathon County, from Marathon County A to the Lincoln County line.
- WIS 107, Lincoln County, from Marathon County line to WIS 64.
- WIS 107, Lincoln County, from Matthew’s Road to Lincoln County S.
- WIS 55, Forest County, from Argonne Street to the Michigan State line.
- WIS 122, Iron County, from WIS 77 to Michigan State line.
- WIS 169, Iron County, from Ashland County Line to US 2.
Seasonal weight restrictions (springtime posted roads) are placed on specific highways during the spring thaw period. The restrictions are added to prevent damage to the pavement structure. In the event of unpredicted cold weather, the postings in each county may be delayed as conditions require and will become effective at the discretion of the State Highway Engineer.
This effectively ends the WisDOT frozen road declaration for the entire state as of 12:01 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 3. Class II road restrictions are being enacted for Zones 1 through 5.
WisDOT and county highway personnel monitor temperature forecasts, along with frost tubes – liquid-filled devices under pavement – to help determine when roads are adequately frozen to accommodate heavier loads or thawed to lift declarations.
Class II roads include about 1,400 miles of state highways susceptible to damage from heavy trucks during the spring thaw period as frost leaves the ground. More information regarding frozen road declarations, Class II roadways, and roadway postings can be found on WisDOT’s website under “Weight Restriction Programs.” County highways, town roads, city and village streets may also be posted or limited to legal load limits or less. Decisions to place or lift weight restrictions on those roads are up to local units of government.
More information on overweight permits can be found on the WisDOT website by searching under “oversize overweight permits.” Haulers with specific questions can contact WisDOT’s Oversize/Overweight Permits Unit at 608.266.7320. A recorded message with general information on road restrictions is available by calling 608.266.8417.
For more information regarding traffic impacts and improvement projects in Wisconsin’s north central region:
Weight Restriction Programs:
- wisconsindot.gov/Pages/dmv/com-drv-vehs/mtr-car-trkr/ssnl-wt-rsrctns/default.aspx
- Twitter: @WisDOTnorthcent
- 511wi.gov