Effective March 28, frozen road declaration ends; Spring Thaw, Class II road restrictions take effect in Zone 1 in northern Wisconsin

March 27, 2013

End of frozen road law, Spring Thaw, Class II restrictions now effective statewide

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) has announced that effective Thursday, March 28 at 12:01 a.m., the frozen road declaration will end and Spring Thaw and Class II road restrictions will take effect in Zone 1 – that area north of US 8 in northern Wisconsin. With the announcement, the end of the frozen road law, along with Spring Thaw and Class II restrictions are now effective statewide.

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 WisDOT web site.

Declaration of Spring Thaw means suspension of most divisible load overweight permits. Information on overweight permits can be found on 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