WCRC imposes early seasonal weight restrictions

submitted by the Washtenaw County Road Commission

The Washtenaw County Road Commission (WCRC) has announced its County-wide seasonal weight restrictions, effective February 8 until further notice.

Seasonal weight restrictions have been in effect since Wednesday, February 8, 2023. A subsequent advisory will be issued when they are suspended. Most of the roadways under the Washtenaw County Road Commission’s jurisdiction are seasonally restricted. For more information about which roads are impacted, refer to the current WCRC Truck Operator’s Map.

Road damage caused by heavy vehicles during winter and spring thawing periods is a problem that affects all northern states. Unless a roadway has been designed and constructed for heavy vehicle loads year-round and designated to be an ALL-SEASON ROAD, a significant loss of strength occurs during a seasonal thaw period.

The damage to a road is directly related to the amount and frequency of the loading applied. Michigan law provides that the months of March, April, and May are automatically reduced loading months, but the statute also allows the Michigan Department of Transportation and county road commissions to implement those restrictions earlier, or suspend reduced loading, depending upon the weather and road conditions.

Along with reduced loading provisions are reduced speeds. For vehicles over 10,000 pounds operated on seasonally restricted roads, the speed limit drops to a maximum of 35 mph, regardless of the posted limit. Speed, in conjunction with axle and wheel loading, contributes to road damage, including the creation of potholes.

When seasonal weight restrictions are imposed, only seasonal transportation permits will be issued by WCRC. During this timeframe, all other transportation permits are suspended. All permits must be submitted through oxcartpermits.com.

For a statewide listing of the status of seasonal weight restrictions for other county road commissions, visit the County Road Association of Michigan website.

This action is taken in accordance with the Washtenaw County Board of County Road Commissioners’ Resolution No. RC09-052 and is pursuant to Act 300 of the Public Acts of 1949, as amended [MCL §257.722].

If you have any questions concerning these structures, please contact Mark McCulloch, senior project manager — permits, at (734) 327-6679 or mccullochm@wcroads.org.

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.