Lansing, Michigan – Spring weight restrictions begin Tuesday evening on Michigan state trunklines to prevent seasonal road damage.
According to the Michigan Department of Transportation, weight limits will be imposed and enforced starting at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17, on all state trunkline highways south of a designated line across the Lower Peninsula. The restricted area stretches from the Indiana and Ohio borders north to and including US-10 in Ludington, then east to US-127 in Clare County, north to M-61, and east to US-23 in Standish.
State trunklines include highways marked I, M, or US.
MDOT officials say thawing conditions during late winter and early spring soften pavement as frost leaves the ground, making roads more vulnerable to cracking and potholes. Reducing axle weights helps limit structural damage until roadbeds stabilize.
On routes designated as “all-season,” there will be no reduction in legal axle weights. On seasonal routes, weight limits are reduced by 25% on concrete pavements and 35% on asphalt pavements. Some vehicles may also face a 35 mph speed restriction.
Extended permits remain valid for oversized loads in restricted areas, but single-trip permits will not be issued for overweight loads exceeding width, axle, or length limits on affected routes.
Local road agencies may enact separate seasonal restrictions.
The changes primarily affect commercial trucking and freight carriers, including student drivers and young workers in logistics sectors.
Restrictions remain in effect until frost conditions subside.
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