Ottawa County, MI 9WGHN) – Beginning at 6 a.m. today, Feb. 28, 2025, seasonal weight restrictions were put into effect on all county roads under jurisdiction of the Ottawa County Road Commission (OCRC).
These restrictions are intended to protect the integrity of the road when frost is coming out of the ground. On roads with seasonal restrictions, normal legal loads must be reduced by approximately 35 percent and truck vehicle speeds reduced to 35 mph.
Why seasonal restrictions are necessary
As warmer weather sets in, thawing beneath a road’s surface increases, creating a saturated roadbed where water becomes trapped between the pavement and the remaining ice below. Heavy trucks and equipment traveling over these weakened surfaces can cause permanent cracks and other damage.
How seasonal restrictions are determined
Enacting seasonal restrictions is based on multiple factors including solid frost depths, pavement and air temperatures, visual signs of pavement bleeding, pavement distress, saturation levels of roadbeds, and the ten-day forecast. Neighboring agencies work closely together to discuss these factors and align enforcement when possible.
Resources
The public can check the status of restrictions by calling the OCRC’s 24-hour Seasonal Weight and Speed Restriction Hotline at 616-842-0086 or 1-800-394-0290, or by visiting our website at ottawacorc.com/.
For truck-related inquiries, contact the Michigan Center for Truck Safety at 800-MTA-4MTA (800- 682-4682).
More information regarding OCRC’s seasonal restrictions and transportation permitting is available at ottawacorc.com/trucking/.
Statewide weight restriction information can be found at: Seasonal Weight Restrictions – Michigan County Road Association (micountyroads.org).
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