Effective March 13, frozen road declaration to end, Spring Thaw, Class II road restrictions take effect across most of Wisconsin

March 11, 2013

Due to warming weather, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) has announced that effective Wednesday, March 13 at 12:01 a.m., the frozen road declaration will end and Spring Thaw and Class II road restrictions will take effect for most of Wisconsin - Zones 2 through 5. The only region where the frozen road law currently remains in effect is in Zone 1 – that area north of US 8 in far northern Wisconsin. An announcement regarding Zone 1 is expected in about a week.

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 Class II roadways and roadway postings can be found on the Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s web site.

Declaration of Spring Thaw also means suspension of most divisible load overweight permits. Information on overweight permits can be found at the WisDOT web site. A recorded message with information on road restrictions is available by calling (608) 266-8417.

County highways, town roads, and 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.

For more information, contact:
Michael Sproul, WisDOT Bureau of Highway Maintenance
(608) 266-8680, michael.sproul@dot.wi.gov