Effective February 27, 2017, Joseph County will post 8 TON WEIGHT LIMIT signs and enforce the seasonal weight limit restriction on various roads in St. Joseph County.
St. Joseph County is experiencing numerous freeze-thaw events this season. These conditions tend to damage roadways susceptible to thaw weakening. The seasonal weight limits restrict certain vehicle loads during the spring months, for when road structures are thawing from above and trapped water is unable to escape the soil structure, thereby weakening the pavement and resulting in excessive road deterioration.
Ordinance 66-97 outlines it is unlawful to operate or cause to be operated upon the designated public road or highway any vehicle, with or without a load, having a total gross weight in excess of 16,000 pounds (or 8 tons). A permit excepting a vehicular user from the weight limitations may be granted. Contact the Department of Public Works at 574-235-9626 for more information.
This written order provides for an automatic exemption for school corporation transportation vehicles (i.e. buses), solid waste vehicles, public transit vehicles, emergency response vehicles, and St. Joseph County municipal fleet vehicles and equipment.
Restrictive Roads Map
Seasonal Road Restrictions Written Order
Seasonal Weight Restrictions Ordinance (66-97)
Quick Access Map - Seasonal Weight Restrictions
Permit for Exception to Seasonal Weight Limits
