SEASONAL WEIGHT LIMIT INFORMATION H.B. 5290:
SUMMARY OF HOUSE-PASSED BILL
IN COMMITTEE
House Bill 5290 (as passed by the House)
Sponsor: Representative Jack O'Malley
House Committee: Transportation
Senate Committee: Transportation and Infrastructure
CONTENT
The bill would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code to require the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and each local authority with highways and streets to which seasonal restrictions apply to post on the homepage of its website or the website of a statewide road association to which it was a member, as applicable, the dates when the seasonal restrictions were in effect and either the names of the highways and streets to which the seasonal restrictions did not apply or an electronic map showing the highways and streets to which the seasonal restrictions did not apply, or both.
Generally, the Code prescribes maximum axle loads, measured in pounds, based on the spacing between axles on the vehicle and certain other factors, such as weather and the time of year. During the months of March, April, and May, the Code reduces the maximum axle load allowable on concrete pavements or pavements with a concrete base by 25% and the maximum axle load by 35% on all other types of roads during these months. The Code also limits the maximum wheel load to 525 pounds per inch of tire width on concrete and concrete base and 450 pounds per inch of tire width on all other roads during the period that the seasonal road restrictions are in effect.
The Code requires MDOT and each local authority with highways and streets under its jurisdiction to which the seasonal restrictions described above apply to post the dates when the seasonal restrictions are in effect and the names of the highways and streets and portions of highways and streets to which the seasonal restrictions apply on the homepage of its website or, if a local authority does not have a website, then on the website of a statewide road association of which it is a member.
Instead, under the bill, MDOT and each local authority with highways and streets or portions of highways and streets under its jurisdiction to which the seasonal restrictions described above applied would have to post on the homepage of its website or, if a local authority did not have a website, then the website of a statewide road association of which it was a member, the dates when the seasonal restrictions were in effect and either or both of the following:
-- The names of the highways and streets and portions of highways and streets to which the seasonal restrictions did not apply.
-- An electronic map showing the highways and streets and portions of highways and streets to which the seasonal restrictions did not apply.
FISCAL IMPACT
Minor administrative costs are possible for the Department and local units of government if they were required to create and post new listings for seasonal weight restrictions. The bill likely would have no other fiscal impact.
Fiscal Analyst: Michael Siracuse
This 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.