Frozen Road Law is Now in Effect for Northern Wisconsin

Frozen Road Law Takes Effect in Northern Wisconsin on December 14

Frozen Road Declaration Applies to Zones 1 and 2

Wisconsin’s frozen road law took effect in the northern half of the state beginning Sunday, December 14, 2025, at 12:01 a.m. CST. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) confirmed that road conditions in Zones 1 and 2 now meet the requirements for a frozen road declaration.

The status applies to U.S. Highway 10 near Stevens Point and all numbered state and federal highways north of that route. WisDOT said the determination for the rest of the state will be made later when conditions warrant.

The seasonal declaration allows higher truck weight limits for specific types of freight, mainly forest products and winter road maintenance materials.

What the Frozen Road Law Allows for Truck Weights

Under this law, qualifying trucks may operate at higher gross vehicle weights during the Frozen Road Period. The standard federal weight limit of 80,000 pounds can increase to as much as 98,000 pounds for vehicles with at least five axles.

The weight increase applies only to:

• Trucks hauling forest products, including logs
• Vehicles transporting salt or sand used for winter highway maintenance

WisDOT said special permits are not required to haul the increased weights on highways in Zones 1 and 2. However, vehicles must still be legally licensed at 80,000 pounds to qualify for the higher limits.

The weight increase does not override posted restrictions. Any highway or bridge marked for lower weight limits remains restricted.

Why Wisconsin Uses the Frozen Road Program

This program is part of Wisconsin’s Seasonal Weight Restriction system. The goal is to protect highways during periods when pavement is vulnerable while allowing heavier loads once the ground has frozen solid.

WisDOT and county highway staff closely monitor weather forecasts and ground conditions before issuing a frozen road declaration. Crews rely on frost tubes, which are liquid-filled devices placed under pavement to measure how deeply the ground has frozen.

Once the frost depth reaches at least 18 inches beneath the roadway, the pavement can safely support heavier truck loads. At that point, WisDOT issues a declaration for qualifying routes.

Officials say the program helps preserve Wisconsin’s investment in roads while supporting industries that depend on winter hauling.

Zones and Their Boundaries

Wisconsin is divided into five seasonal weight zones. Only Zones 1 and 2 are included in the current frozen road declaration.

• Zone 1 includes the northernmost part of the state. It stretches from the Minnesota border, Lake Superior, and the Michigan border south to and including U.S. Highway 8.
• Zone 2 begins at the southern edge of Zone 1 and extends south to a line defined by U.S. Highway 10. The boundary continues east on State Highway 73, east on State Highway 54, north on State Highway 22/110, and east on State Highway 22 to Lake Michigan east of Oconto. Highways included in Zone 2 include U.S. 10 and state highways 22, 54, 73, and 110.
• Zones 3 Through 5: Zones 3, 4, and 5 cover central and southern Wisconsin. WisDOT said declarations for those areas will be announced later in the winter when frost conditions meet requirements.

Frozen Road Limits Do Not Automatically Apply Everywhere

WisDOT stressed that weight increases apply only to eligible state and federal highways within Zones 1 and 2.

County highways and local roads are not automatically included. Higher frozen road weights are allowed on those roads only if the local agency responsible for maintenance authorizes them.

In addition, frozen road weight limits do not apply to any roadway or bridge that is specifically posted for lower weights. Carriers are expected to follow all posted restrictions, even during this period.

Emergency Bridge Restrictions Remain in Effect

The frozen road declaration does not change existing emergency restrictions in other parts of the region.

WisDOT noted that emergency load restrictions remain in place on the Highway 53 bridge and its approach roadways in Duluth. These restrictions are related to structural concerns and are not affected by frozen road conditions.

Oversize and overweight traffic remains restricted from westbound I-535, also known as the Blatnik Bridge, to southbound I-35. Those restrictions are expected to remain in place until fall 2025. Detours are routed to the Bong Bridge on Highway 2.

Frozen Road Maps and Planning Tools Available

WisDOT maintains an interactive online map that shows frozen road boundaries and seasonal weight restrictions across the state. The map also identifies Class II highways and roads with posted weight limits.

The map is updated as conditions change and is intended to help carriers plan routes during seasonal transitions.

Additional information on frozen road operations and overweight hauling is available through WisDOT’s Oversize/Overweight Permits Unit. A recorded hotline message is also available with general updates on seasonal road restrictions.

Declarations May Expand Later This Winter

WisDOT said crews will continue monitoring frost depth and temperature trends statewide. As colder conditions move farther south, frozen road declarations may be issued for Zones 3, 4, and 5 later in the winter.

Until then, the frozen road declaration in Zones 1 and 2 allows qualifying carriers to move heavier loads while maintaining protections for Wisconsin’s transportation infrastructure.

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