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 (MDOT) and county road commissions to implement those restrictions earlier, or suspend reduced loading, depending upon the weather and road conditions. For more information, please visit our Seasonal Weight Restriction page.
Most of the roadways in Washtenaw County are seasonally restricted. For further information, please refer to the current WCRC Truck Operator’s Map or contact the Permits Clerk at (734) 327-6642 or [email protected].