ST. PAUL, Minn. –
Spring truck weight restrictions on state highways begin March 11 for
Minnesota's South, Southeast and Metro frost zones, according to the
Minnesota Department of Transportation. The spring restrictions begin
March 12 for Central frost zone.
Winter load increases and overweight permits remain in place for the state's North-Central and North frost zones.
MnDOT limits truck weights to prevent damage to roads weakened during the spring thaw. Ending dates for spring load restrictions will be established by monitoring roadway strength as weather conditions change.
The South Zone
extends south from the southern limit of the Central Zone (US 12 –
Hennepin county line) to the Iowa state line and east to the Metro Zone
and then a line following and including Interstate 35. This zone
includes Highway 19 along the southern border of Scott County.
The Southeast Zone
extends south from the southern limit of the Metro Zone along, but not
including, I-35 to the Iowa state line and east to the Wisconsin state
line. This zone includes Highway 19 along the southern border of Dakota
County.
The Metro Zone
(Minneapolis – St. Paul metro area) includes Anoka, Carver, Chisago,
Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott and Washington counties. This zone does
not include Highway 19 along the southern borders of Scott and Dakota
counties.
The Central Zone
extends south from the southern limit of the North-Central Zone (US 10 –
Highway 210 – Highway 18 – I-35 – Highway 48 – Wisconsin state line)
to a line following and including US 12 from the South Dakota state line to the Hennepin County line.
Road
restriction maps showing the locations of weight-restricted routes and
state highways open to maximum 10-ton axle weights are listed at www.dot.state.mn.us/materials. Click on "Seasonal Load Limits," and then "Spring Load Restrictions" for the most up-to-date information.
The information is also available by calling MnDOT’s 24-hour automated message center at 1-800-723-6543 in the United States and Canada or by calling 651-366-5400.
