VAN BUREN COUNTY, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — As warmer weather starts to return to Michigan, so do seasonal weight restrictions, also called “frost laws”.
Seasonal weight restrictions, or frost laws, are currently in force in Van Buren County and are designed to minimize the damage caused to paved and gravel roads during Michigan’s seasonal thaw.
Experts say at 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. Simply put. The heavier the vehicle, the greater possible damage to the roads.
Van Buren County has several Primary Roads that are designated as “All-Season Roads”, meaning that trucks can continue hauling normal legal-size load limits at normal set speeds.
However, all “Streets” and “Avenues” under the jurisdiction of the Van Buren County Road Commission, as well as the majority of Primary Roads (labeled as County Roads or “CR”), are restricted during frost laws. This means any vehicle over 10,000 pounds must reduce its loads by 35% per axle, and drive at a speed limit of no more than 35 MPH (unless posted lower).
Public Utility vehicles and Agricultural vehicles can apply for a seasonal permit with the Road Commission which allows for normal legal-size loads.
The Road Commission asks that motorists, businesses, and residents work with them during seasonal weight restrictions and remember that the county roads are important for all drivers. Heavy vehicles, or heavy haulers, can help preserve the roads by:
· Holding-off on any non-essential heavy load hauling during seasonal thaw,
· Reducing the weight being transported by at least 35% per axle,
· Reducing speeds to 35 MPH or less while traveling on any non-All-Season roads,
· Traveling in the early morning when the ground is still frozen, or at its coldest,
· Avoiding the road’s edge and gravel shoulder, the two weakest parts of the road, that can easily break and fail, so long as safe driving practices are maintained.
For more information on Seasonal Weight Restrictions please visit https://www.vbcrc.org/
