Warm temperatures end frozen road declaration statewide

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) is ending the frozen road declaration for the entire state (Zones 1 through 5) as of 12:01 a.m. Friday, February 28.

Class II and posted road restrictions are temporarily on hold as field staff continue to evaluate conditions amid the rapid warmup in recent days. Motor carriers are encouraged to monitor the Seasonal Weight Restriction Program website and the Frozen Roads hotline at (608) 266-8417 for the latest information.

WisDOT and county highway personnel monitor temperature forecasts, along with frost tubes – liquid-filled devices under pavement – to help determine when roads are adequately frozen to accommodate heavier loads or thawed to lift declarations.

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. 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.

Visit WisDOT’s oversize/overweight permits website for more information. Haulers with specific questions can contact WisDOT’s Oversize/Overweight Permits Unit at (608) 266-7320.

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.