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Posted Roads Questions and Answers

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Question 1: Why do you post the roads?

The reason roads are posted is to help keep the roads from being destroyed as the frost is coming out of the ground. Typical costs to fully repair and, or rebuild a road range from $300 K to over $1 M per mile. The total cost to reconstruct all posted roads is beyond DOT’s budget.

Question 2: What is the weight limit on posted roads?

 When a road is posted the weight limit is 23,000 pounds, see question 9 for exceptions.

Question 3: Can you tell me if a certain road is posted?
            
Visiting the posted roads website:

Question 4: Can I get an exemption, or trip ticket?

An exemption, or purchase a trip ticket for a reduced load of certain perishable items is attainable. The rules and regulations spells out what qualifies. The following link will take you to the rules and regulations:

Question 5: How long is an exemption certificate good for?

The exemption certificate is good for the length of vehicle ownership and it continues to carry the same commodity listed on the certificate.

Question 6: Is the exemption certificate good for all posted roads?     

No, the exemption certificate issued by DOT is only good for DOT maintained roads. It is important to contact municipalities and see what they have for seasonal weight restriction exemptions. 

Question 7: How long will the posting last?

It depends on how quickly the frost goes out of the roads. Typically, it can last till mid May each year. 

Question 8: Can I haul 23,000 pounds?

The weight is based on vehicle and load combined. So, if your registration is for more than 23,000 pounds then the truck should not be on the posted road.

Question 9: Can I haul if the road is posted and the road is frozen solid?

The Department of Transportation does not determine if the road is
frozen solid. The weather conditions can obviously vary significantly from region to region, so the State Police Trooper who is conducting the enforcement is the one who makes that determination at the time of the stop. A general guideline is that.  If the air temperature is below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, and there is no standing water on the road, then the road should be frozen and therefore passable.

Question 10: Will the roads still be posted if they are rebuilt?

Typically, once the road is improved the likelihood of it being posted is small. However, depending on environmental conditions along with pavement conditions will ultimately dictate whether a road is posted.

Question 11: Is there another route I can use to get to my destination?

Visiting the 511 web page and looking at the region in question from the drop down list and selecting the commercial vehicle tab will provide a good reference map to determine alternative routes.

Question 12: Where can I go for more information?

The following link will provide a list of Maintenance and Operations Division Offices. Please contact the nearest one to you.

 

This page last updated on 3/12/13