Load restrictions being lifted on county roads Thursday

The Road Commissions of Houghton, Baraga, Keweenaw, and Ontonagon Counties put out a joint statement advising that load restrictions will be taken off of local roads Thursday morning at 8:00 AM. MDOT restored normal weight limits on Monday for state and federal highways. Engineer Kevin Harju says the discrepancy has to do with the different paving requirements for each system.

Harju says restrictions tend to be put in place in early March and lifted the second week of May, meaning this year’s schedule is early thanks to a mild winter. There are several criteria that help aid the decision, including measuring frost depth and visual inspections. Gravel roads tend to rut and are the last to have limits lifted. Harju says he is expecting about 30 roads in the Houghton County system will be restricted past Thursday.

The full list of roads kept at spring weight limits is posted at the Road Commission’s website.