WisDOT announces weight limits for state highways in Crawford County

March 4, 2009

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) announced today the seasonal posting of weight limits on two state highways in Crawford County. Pursuant to Section 349.16 of the Wisconsin State Statutes, the weight restrictions are six tons gross load for single axle vehicles and 10 tons gross load for tandem axle vehicles (when axles are less than eight feet apart). Additionally, the maximum total weight limit for vehicles is 24 tons.

Weather permitting, placement of signs will begin at 7 a.m. on Monday, Mar. 16, 2009, for the following highways. The restrictions will become effective once the signs are in place:

• WIS 179, Crawford County - Beginning 1.35 miles east of WIS 27 near Eastman easterly to WIS 131 at Steuben.
• WIS 131, Crawford County - From WIS 60 northerly to WIS 179 at Steuben.

Seasonal weight restrictions are placed on specific highways during the spring thaw period. The restrictions are added to routes that have poor foundations, with the goal of preventing pavement damage from legal-weight loads.

Marvin Schaitel, highway operations supervisor from WisDOT’s La Crosse office, said most truck drivers comply with the weight restrictions, and WisDOT appreciates it. “They have a stake in good roads, and like us, they don’t want to see the routes damaged.”

You may visit the WisDOT Web site to view a list of all springtime posted roads that are on state highways.

For more information, contact:
Marvin Schaitel, Highway Operations Supervisor
(608) 789-5701, marvin.schaitel@dot.wi.gov

John Mueller, Maintenance Engineer
(608) 789-7877, john.mueller@dot.wi.gov