Seasonal weight restrictions are going into effect next week on Berrien and Van Buren County roads.
Both Berrien and Van Buren county officials have issued notices saying full restrictions begin Monday, February 16 at 6 a.m. on all roads under their jurisdictions, except where designated as county all-season routes.
Officials say the limits help prevent damage during the spring freeze-thaw cycle, when moisture beneath the road surface can lead to potholes and other deterioration.
“As Michigan goes through our thaws, things start thawing out, the road beds get softer, and when you get normal weights on those roads, it can cause serious damage,” said Bret Witkowski, Managing Director for the Van Buren County Road Commission.
“I’ve seen where around 60 percent of the damage to roads can happen during this period of time, so we try to give everybody about a week’s notice so vehicles can start making alternate routes and stay off roads that have weight restrictions.”
During the restrictions, axle loading limits are reduced by 35 percent, and vehicles weighing more than 10,000 pounds must travel no faster than 35 miles per hour. The road commission will not issue overweight or oversize moving permits during this time.
“It could be at least for a few weeks until they feel like the moisture is out of the ground as it thaws and comes up. That’s something that’s measured, and each county may set a different date, but agencies across Michigan are talking about it and monitoring conditions to know when it’s safe to lift those restrictions.”
Drivers can find a list of all-season roads and more information on the Van Buren County Road Commission’s website or the Berrien County roads information page.
