Wisconsin Department of Transportation
Press Release

Spring Thaw and Class II road restrictions end Thursday for southern Wisconsin

 

By - Apr 19th, 2023 11:30 am

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) is ending Spring Thaw and Class II road restrictions for Zones 4 and 5 on Thursday, April 20 at 12:01 a.m. The restrictions remain in place for central and northern Wisconsin (Zones 1, 2 and 3) until meltwater drains sufficiently.

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 frozen road declarations, Class II roadways, and roadway postings can be found on WisDOT’s website. Further information also can be found online for divisible load permits and non-divisible load permits.

County highways, town roads, 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.

More information on overweight permits can be found on the WisDOT website by searching for oversize overweight permits. The department maintains an interactive map for seasonal weight restrictions. Haulers with specific questions can contact WisDOT’s Oversize/Overweight Permits Unit at (608) 266-7320. A recorded message with general information on road restrictions is available by calling (608) 266-8417.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.

Mentioned in This Press Release

Recent Press Releases by Wisconsin Department of Transportation

WIS 241 Closed Near Root River in Milwaukee County Due to Flooding

WIS 241 (27th Street) in the city of Frankin is currently closed due high water levels at the Root River. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) encourages drivers to be aware of changing travel conditions. “Know before you go” with 511 Wisconsin, 511wi.gov or via the free app, to view highway closures impacted by flooding and weather alerts across the state. Current highway closure: Milwaukee County WIS 241 (27th Street) near the Root River is closed in both directions, Milwaukee County The timeline for reopening these roads remains unknown, as river levels are still cresting, and additional rain is anticipated. WisDOT officials are closely monitoring the roads and river levels and will reopen them as soon as it is safe to do so. While it’s difficult to predict if or where flooding may occur, WisDOT offers these tips: Flooding conditions may change rapidly so drive with caution at all times. Never drive through standing water or around barriers. As the safety slogan goes, “Turn Around, Don’t Drown!” It only takes a foot of rushing water to sweep away or float most cars and just two feet of rushing water can carry away SUVs and trucks. Just six inches of floodwater will reach the bottom of most passenger cars, causing loss of control and possible stalling. Stay alert and slow down. Follow designated detour routes if state, county and local roads experience flooding. If you must travel, check 511 Wisconsin for the latest information on any road closures or impacts.

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