WISCONSIN — Starting Wednesday at 12:01 a.m., the frozen road law goes into effect for the northern half of Wisconsin, according to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation.
The frozen road law allows vehicles carrying abrasives or salt for highway winter maintenance to carry more weight, according to WisDOT.
As of right now, designated areas include US 10 near Stevens Point, as well as numbered highways north of US 10. As of right now, these areas are labeled as Zone 1 and Zone 2.
Officials determine which roads to include in the designated areas by monitoring temperatures and frost tubes (the liquid-filled devices under pavement). Once the highway pavement is frozen at least 18 inches deep, which allows vehicles with a minimum of five axles to carry 98,000 pounds.
WisDOT said no permits are needed to haul heavier weights in Zone 1 or 2, but vehicles must be legally licensed at 80,000 pounds in order to carry more weight.
The department has an interactive map for seasonal weight restrictions to show frozen road boundaries, Class II roads and posted roads.
More information on overweight permits can be found on the WisDOT website.