Keweenaw Report Your Source for Local News and Sports
Logging trucks and tractor trailers will be a bit lighter next week as spring weight restrictions are implemented in Baraga, Houghton, Keweenaw, and Ontonagon Counties. Maximum loads are reduced to 65% of normal legal capacity and weigh stations will be operating seven days a week until the curbs are lifted.
As the ground thaws, it contracts and the soil underneath the road must resettle. While that process is occurring, the pavement on top loses some of its strength. Significant damage can occur on top of the possibilities of crippling potholes, where this same thawing action happens in faults along the surface.
A single axle truck will have capacity dropped to 23,400 pounds. Tandem axles fall to 32,500. For tractor trailers, the range decreases to between 35,100 pounds and 53,300 pounds depending on the number of axles.
The length of the restrictions could vary given weather conditions.
