Spring weight restrictions on state roads changing today

Spring weight restrictions on state roads changing today

by | Mar 20, 2025 | Transportation

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 20, 2025 		 MEDIA CONTACT
Dan Weingarten
906-250-4809
[email protected]

Annual spring weight restrictions on Michigan state roads
changing at noon today

LANSING, Mich. ­- The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) continues to adjust spring weight restriction areas in an annual move to protect roads.

Effective noon today, March 20, weight restrictions will be lifted on all state trunkline highways from the southern Michigan border north to and including the route beginning on M-43 at the I-196 Business Loop intersection in South Haven continuing to the US-131 interchange in Kalamazoo County, then south on US-131 to the I-94 interchange, east on I-94 to the I-69 interchange in Calhoun County, north on I-69 to the I-96 interchange in Eaton County, east on I-96 to the M-59 interchange in Livingston County, and then east on M-59, ending at the I-94 interchange in Macomb County.

Frost restrictions are still in effect for the remainder of the state and will be imposed and enforced on all state trunkline highways north of the route detailed above. State routes typically carry M, I, or US designations.

In the restricted areas, the following will apply:

  • On routes designated as “all-season” (designated in green and gold on the MDOT Truck Operators Map), there will be no reduction in legal axle weights.
  • All extended permits will be valid for oversize loads in the weight-restricted area on the restricted routes. Single-trip permits will not be issued for any overweight loads or loads exceeding 14 feet in width, 11 axles, and 150 feet in overall length on the restricted routes.
  • On routes designated as “seasonal” (designated in solid or dashed red on the MDOT Truck Operators Map), there will be a posted weight reduction of 25 percent for rigid (concrete) pavements and 35 percent for flexible (asphalt) pavements, and maximum speed of 35 mph for some vehicles.

Drivers must follow the speed limits for weight restricted roads, per state law. Go online for speed restrictions for trucks and the rules for propane fuel delivery and public utility vehicles.

When roads that have been frozen all winter begin to thaw from the surface downward, melting snow and ice saturate the softened ground. During the spring thaw, the roadbed softened by trapped moisture beneath the pavement makes it more susceptible to damage. This contributes to pothole problems already occurring due to this winter’s numerous freeze-thaw cycles.

MDOT determines when weight restrictions begin each spring by measuring frost depths along state highways, observing road conditions and monitoring weather forecasts. Weight restrictions remain in effect until the frost line is deep enough to allow moisture to escape and the roadbeds regain stability.

County road commissions and city public works departments put in place their own local road seasonal weight restrictions, which usually but not always coincide with state highway weight restrictions. Signs are generally posted to indicate which local routes have weight restrictions in effect.

For weight restriction information and updates, call 800-787-8960, or you can access this information on MDOT’s website at www.Michigan.gov/Truckers, under “Restrictions.” All-season routes are designated in green and gold on the MDOT Truck Operators Map, which is available online. You also may sign up to receive e-mail alerts.

Trucking companies located in New Jersey and Canada can obtain information by calling 517-373-6256.

Enjoy guided birding tours at Michigan’s Wetland Wonders

Enjoy guided birding tours at Michigan’s Wetland Wonders

by | Mar 19, 2025 | Recreation

 
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About a dozen white trumpeter swans fly over the water and brown and russet-colored reedy plants at Fish Point State Wildlife Area

Signs of spring: Enjoy guided birding tours at Michigan’s Wetland Wonders

As birds return to Michigan’s wetlands this spring, wildlife lovers are invited to experience the season’s beauty through guided birding tours at several Wetland Wonders locations across the state.

These tours offer a unique opportunity to observe a variety of bird species, including diving and dabbling ducks in full breeding plumage, trumpeter and tundra swans, osprey, bald eagles, sandhill cranes, and more. Led by Michigan Department of Natural Resources wildlife biologists, technicians and volunteers from local Audubon chapters, the tours will take you to premier bird viewing locations.

Birding tour dates and locations

Each tour will meet at designated areas before heading out to explore key birding locations. The Portage Marsh birding tour will be on foot, while the other tours’ visitors will drive their own cars throughout roads and dikes overlooking the wetlands. There will be opportunities for short walks to reach optimal viewing spots on all tours. Everyone should dress for the weather, wear boots to navigate muddy terrain, and bring binoculars or spotting scopes for the best viewing experience.

Michigan’s wetlands are essential for migratory waterfowl, providing critical food, shelter, and breeding habitat along the Mississippi and Atlantic Flyways. They serve as key stopover sites where migratory birds rest and refuel, offering nutrient-rich food sources and safe roosting areas. Many species rely on these habitats for nesting and raising their young. Additionally, wetlands support biodiversity, improve water quality and help manage flooding, benefiting both wildlife and local communities.

Wetland Wonders ►

These areas were created to provide exceptional waterfowl hunting and are managed to provide waterfowl habitat for nesting and migration and for the benefit of other wetland wildlife. Discover all they offer!

More birding fun ►

Follow the Audubon Great Lakes events page for more info on tours, as well as upcoming lunchtime webinars that take a deeper dive into the Wetland Wonders, demystifying these special birding destinations.

Questions about the tours? For more information, contact DNR wildlife outreach coordinator Rachel Lincoln at 517-243-5813.
Farmington Schools Leaving OAA

Farmington Schools Leaving OAA

by | Mar 19, 2025 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

Farmington Schools Leaving OAA.

Written Friday March 14th at 2:45 PM

Updated Friday March 14th at 3:50 PM

The OAA will again have 23 schools in 2026-2027.

According to Brandon Folsom of Hometown life, the Farmington schools (North Farmington and Farmington) will depart the OAA and join the Lakes Valley Conference in all sports effective in the fall of 2026-2027.

The Farmington schools will get a chance to renew some old rivalries with the Livonia schools (Livonia Churchill, Livonia Stevenson, Livonia Franklin) who are also joining the Lakes Valley Conference in 2026-2027 along with the South Lyon (South Lyon, South Lyon East), Walled Lake (Walled Lake Northern, Walled Lake Central, Walled Lake Western), and Huron Valley schools (Milford, Lakeland.)

“The decision was made with careful consideration as we believe the Lakes Valley Conference provides a better geographic and competitive fit for our schools. The opportunity to compete to compete against like sized schools and reduce travel demands for our families were key factors in the transition. Joining the LVC aligns us with schools of similar size, ensuring a more competitive and balanced playing field for our student athletes. With member districts having multiple high schools and student populations around the same size we will be facing similar opponents with similar resources and talent pools” said Farmington District Athletic Director Allyssa Robinson to Folsom.

The Lakes Valley Conference made a statement announcing the Farmington schools into the Lakes Valley. “The Lakes Valley Conference is proud to announce that Farmington Public Schools and Livonia Public Schools will be joining the conference in the fall of 2026. This exciting expansion marks a significant step forward in the LVC’s commitment of enhancing competitive excellence in Arts, Athletics, and Academics along with fostering community engagement across the region.” The conference said in a statement.

The Farmington schools came into the OAA from the Western Lakes Activities Association where the league merged with the Kensington Valley Conference in 2002. There were three schools at the time in Farmington but Harrison closed in 2018 leaving the Farmington schools at two schools in Farmington and North Farmington.

The Farmington schools had strong appearances in all sports in the OAA from baseball, football, girls basketball, softball, track, and boys basketball in their 23 years in the league.

“We want to express our sincere gratitude to the Oakland Activities Association for many great years of competition, collaboration, and shared experiences. We have valued being part of this outstanding league and appreciate the leadership, sportsmanship, and tradition that defines the OAA. Although we are leaving the OAA we look forward to seeing them across the fields, gyms, and pools in our non conference schedule for years to come” Robinson concluded.

Robinson made mention that there is a possibility that the Farmington schools could see the OAA in the non league after leaving the league in 2026-2027.

The sports that this move will impact the most will be boys basketball, girls swimming, boys swimming, baseball, and softball.

Stay tuned to OAA Now for the latest on this developing story.

 

Here is the story from Folsom confirming the move.

https://www.hometownlife.com/story/sports/2025/03/14/farmington-public-schools-will-also-join-the-lakes-valley-conference/82376765007/

Lakes Valley Conference Statement

https://x.com/amicovich/status/1900621501096681511/photo/1

My podcast

Farmington Schools Leaving OAA

Girls Basketball State Semifinals Preview

by | Mar 19, 2025 | Feature Writers, High School Sports

Girls Basketball State Semifinals Preview.

Written Wednesday March 19th at 7:52 AM

WEST BLOOMFIELD vs Belleville- Friday Noon.

The Lakers are back at a really familiar place, East Lansing, Michigan.

West Bloomfield is back at Michigan State after a convincing 57-35 win over Utica Ford II in the State Quarterfinals holding the Falcons to a season low 35 points. The Lakers will have a rematch with Belleville on Friday afternoon at the Breslin Center. The Tigers won the first meeting 84-49 at Belleville in the OAA/KLAA Challenge on December 12th.

Sheridan Beal who is the team’s only returning starter had 17 points, Breanna Gamble-Jones had 11 points, and Breasia Gamble-Jones also had 11 points for West Bloomfield against Utica Ford II.

The Lakers were 1-4 playing a brutal non conference schedule not mentioning the Red as well but they have gone 18-4 since then.

West Bloomfield fans are really familiar with Belleville seeing them in Football many times.

The Tigers have a ton of proven experience and are well coached under Coach Jason Wilkins. Belleville features Sydney Savoury who is the sister of Orchard Lake St. Marys guard Jayden Savoury. Savoury basically saved the Tigers in their 59-54 win over DeWitt in the State Quarterfinals scoring 29 points. Belleville has others besides Savoury that can do some damage.

Belleville was in the Final Four falling 54-45 to Grand Blanc last season. The Tigers are 26-1 with their only loss being 57-52 to Wayne Memorial on February 1st.

This will be a really interesting matchup to say the least.

Michigan Sets New Record for Food, Ag and Forestry Exports

Michigan Sets New Record for Food, Ag and Forestry Exports

by | Mar 19, 2025 | Agriculture

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 19, 2025

Media contact: Lynsey Mukomel, 517-290-1734

Program contact: Trevor Keyes, 517-237-1701

Michigan Sets New Record for Food, Ag and Forestry Exports

To mark National Agriculture Trade Day, MDARD shares exports reached nearly $3B last year

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) Director Tim Boring announced today that the state’s ag-related exports set a new record in 2024, reaching $2.9 billion. The new benchmark was released to mark National Agriculture Trade Day and represents a more than $282 million increase from 2023.

“Michigan farmers, food, and forestry workers are the best in the world,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “Our $2.9 billion in ag-related exports last year demonstrate that Michigan is the best place to grow and harvest products like sugar beets, soybeans, dairy, and wood. I’m committed to supporting local communities across Michigan, with investments to support farmers, build agricultural diversity, and grow economic opportunity and rural prosperity. Let’s keep getting it done.”

“From urban farms in Detroit to the cherry orchards Up North, there’s something for everyone here in Michigan,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “The $2.9 billion in agricultural exports Michigan produced last year is a sign of our economic momentum, growing rural prosperity, and dominance as the most agriculturally diverse state with access to 20% of the world’s fresh water. Every Michigander in every corner of our state should be able to be their best selves and reach their full potential, and Governor Whitmer and I are committed to supporting local communities. Let’s keep standing tall for Michigan food, farmers, and forests.”

“This record-breaking success for our agriculture, food and forestry companies proves Michigan ag brings high-quality products to the table that are in high demand domestically and internationally,” said MDARD Director Tim Boring. “With so much uncertainty caused by new tariffs, these record numbers serve as an example of the economic prosperity we can foster with the right support and a level playing field. We’re proud to support Michigan farmers and producers as they expand their markets.”

Michigan is the most agriculturally diverse state with regular access to water, resulting in a wide range of exported products. From bulk corn to snack products, dried fruit and dairy products, the goods produced in Michigan vary greatly. The demand for high-quality Michigan products continues to grow in local, domestic and international markets.

Overall, processed food products represented the highest total value of Michigan’s food, agriculture, and forest products in 2024 at $636 million. The other top categories are sugar beet, soybean, soybean residue, brewing waste and animal feed at $393 million, dairy products at $303 million, pasta, bread and other starches at $285 million, and wood and articles of wood at $252 million.

The top five export markets for Michigan’s ag-related products in 2024 were Canada at $1.25 billion, Mexico at $452 million, South Korea at $174 million, Japan at $154 million, and China at $150 million.

International Marketing Ag Export Numbers GraphicMDARD’s International Marketing Program works to assist Michigan food, agriculture, and forestry businesses in developing domestic and international market opportunities. These opportunities include trade shows, buyers missions, trade missions, market research, and more. Events such as the 2025 Summer in the Cities Buyers Mission: Columbus Stop or the Focused Trade Mission to Canada for Retail and Food Service can help companies by setting them up with one-on-one meetings with interested, vetted buyers helping companies to expand their markets.

Visit Food Export’s event page for a full list of the International Marketing Program’s events and visit our website to learn more about how the International Marketing Program helps businesses in Michigan.