Winter took its toll on Mower County's road system this year.

Deeper than usual levels of frost caused an above average amount of damage to county roads, County Engineer Michal Hanson said.

"This was one of the worst winters for frost penetration," he said.

When water turns to frost, it expands, causing the surface to rise. This phenomenon is called frost heave.

It happens every year, but Hanson said this year it is the worst he has ever seen, and the county is going to be doing a lot of repairs.

Despite the amount of work, budget constraints should not be an issue. He said workers are currently on the job, and he does not foresee any problems getting to all the trouble spots.

The county engineer's office also announced the seasonal weight restrictions have been lifted as of Tuesday, or as the signs are removed from roads.

Weight restrictions are put on county roads every year, depending on when the spring thaw occurs, and taken off eight weeks later. This is because roads become soft in the spring and trucks can do more damage to them. Depending on the road, a 5- or 10-ton weight limit may be applied.

Matt Merritt can be reached at 434-2214 or by email at matt.merritt@austindailyherald.com