Weight restrictions for roads start Monday

Spring weight restrictions for Allegan County roads and state roads begin Monday, March 3, 2025, to protect the pavement.

Effective 6 p.m. Monday, March 3, weight restrictions will be imposed and enforced on all state trunkline highways from the Indiana/Ohio border north to and including US-10 in Ludington in Mason County.

All state trunklines will have weight restrictions imposed and enforced. State routes typically carry M, I, or US designations. These include roads such as M-89 and U.S. 31.

The restrictions are also in effect for Allegan County roads.

For more on the Allegan County roads, click here.

Why the restrictions

When roads that have been frozen all winter begin to thaw from the surface downward, melting snow and ice saturate the softened ground, according to Michigan Department of Transportation. During the spring thaw, the roadbed softened by trapped moisture beneath the pavement makes it more susceptible to damage. This contributes to pothole problems already occurring due to this winter’s numerous freeze-thaw cycles.

MDOT determines when weight restrictions begin each spring by measuring frost depths along state highways, observing road conditions and monitoring weather forecasts. Weight restrictions remain in effect until the frost line is deep enough to allow moisture to escape and the roadbeds regain stability.

State information

For weight restriction information and updates, call (800) 787-8960, or visit MDOT’s website at www.Michigan.gov/Truckers, under “Restrictions.”