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Air Quality Alert: Wildfire smoke from fires in southern Ontario, Canada and northeast Minnesota has moved into Wisconsin, creating unhealthy air quality conditions. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has issued an Air Quality Advisory through noon on Thursday. Air quality is expected to reach the Unhealthy to Very Unhealthy level, with the potential to reach the Hazardous Air Quality Index level. The advisory will be re-evaluated Thursday morning and may be extended based on conditions. According to the Department of Health Services, wildfire smoke can affect anyone, but people who may notice symptoms sooner include older adults, young children, people who are pregnant, outdoor workers, and individuals with heart or lung conditions such as asthma or COPD.

PORTAGE COUNTY SEASONAL WEIGHT RESTRICTIONS

PORTAGE COUNTY SEASONAL WEIGHT RESTRICTIONS

On Monday, March 9, 2026, the Portage County Highway Department will be imposing seasonal weight restrictions on various County Trunk Highways.  The weight restrictions are 6 tons gross load for single axle and 10 tons gross load for each tandem axle (any two axles under 8 feet apart).  The maximum gross vehicle weight is 26 tons.   Portage County Highway Department will begin installing signs along all posted roads beginning at 7:00 a.m.  Enforcement will begin when signs are installed.

Seasonal weight restrictions are enforced annually in the spring during the time that the frost is coming out of the ground. This is necessary to protect the pavement which is susceptible to damage by heavy loads during this time of year. Additional information can be obtained by contacting the Highway Department office at (715) 345-5355 or on our website at

https://www.co.portage.wi.gov/287/Highway-Department-Policies-Procedures-a

Permits to exceed these limits may be granted based on the policy adopted by the Portage County Highway Committee.  Please contact the Highway Department with any questions regarding these requests or exemptions for public safety and health.

Please note that these weight restrictions are for County Trunk Highways only.  Any weight restrictions on State, City, Village, or Town roads are handled by each individual entity.