Regional road agencies set to lift spring weight restrictions Monday

OTTAWA COUNTY — The annual battle between heavy hauls and thawing pavement is nearing its seasonal end.

The Ottawa County Road Commission announced Friday, March 20, that it will join a coalition of regional agencies in lifting seasonal weight restrictions effective at 6 a.m. Monday, March 30.

The move signals that Michigan’s subterranean roadbeds are finally stabilizing after the volatile spring thaw.

Each year, local road commissions implement "frost laws" to protect the integrity of the pavement. As frost leaves the ground, the underlying soil becomes saturated with water and loses its structural strength, making roads significantly more vulnerable to damage from heavy commercial loads.

Engineering teams have spent the last several weeks monitoring frost depth, checking roadbed moisture levels, and analyzing long-range weather patterns. Current data suggests that non-all-season roads are now capable of supporting standard commercial traffic without the risk of structural failure.

To ensure consistency for the trucking industry and logistics providers, the OCRC is coordinating its schedule with several neighboring departments. The following agencies are also slated to lift restrictions on March 30:

• County road commissions: Ionia, Kent, Mason, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo and Oceana.
• Municipalities: The cities of Kentwood and Walker.

Although regional restrictions are easing, drivers are encouraged to verify conditions for statewide routes, as northern counties may maintain restrictions longer.

Visit micountyroads.org for a comprehensive map of Michigan’s seasonal weight restrictions. For specific truck-related inquiries, call the Michigan Center for Truck Safety at 800-682-4682.

Residents and businesses can check for local updates via the OCRC hotline at 616-842-0086 or by visiting ottawacorc.com.

— Submitted by the Ottawa County Road Commission. To submit a news tip, email newsroom@ottawanewsnetwork.org.