SEASONAL WEIGHT LIMITS: WEBSITE S.B. 1525:
SUMMARY AS ENACTED
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Senate Bill 1525 (as enacted) PUBLIC ACT 579 of 2008
Sponsor: Senator Jud Gilbert, II
Senate Committee: Transportation
House Committee: Transportation
Date Completed: 7-2-09
CONTENT
The bill amended the Michigan Vehicle Code to require the Michigan Department of Transportation and each local authority with highways and streets under its jurisdiction subject to seasonal vehicle weight restrictions to post the following information on the homepage of its website:
-- The dates when the seasonal restrictions are in effect.
-- The names of the highways and streets and portions of highways and streets to which the seasonal restrictions apply.
If a local authority does not have a website, then the information must be posted on the website of a statewide road association of which it is a member.
The bill took effect on January 16, 2009.
MCL 257.722
BACKGROUND
The Michigan Vehicle Code prescribes maximum axle loads and gross vehicle weights for various configurations of vehicles. During the months of March, April, and May, the maximum allowable axle load must be reduced by a specific amount, depending on the type of road material. On concrete pavement or pavement with a concrete base, the axle load limit must be reduced by 25%; all other types of roads, the maximum axle load must be reduced by 35%. The maximum wheel load also is reduced when seasonal weight restrictions are in effect.
The Department or a local authority may suspend those restrictions when and where conditions warrant suspension, and may impose the restrictions at any other time that the conditions of the highway require. Therefore, the dates when the seasonal weight limits are in effect may vary from year to year, based on weather conditions and other factors. Local conditions also may affect the dates when seasonal restrictions are in place.
Certain highways are designated as all-season routes that are not subject to the seasonal weight restrictions.
Legislative Analyst: Curtis Walker
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill will have no fiscal impact on State or local government.
Fiscal Analyst: Debra Hollon
Analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent. sb1525/0708