Spring truck weight restrictions to End

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Spring truck weight restrictions on state highways will end April 15 for Minnesota's South, Southeast, Metro and Central frost zones, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation. There is one exception in the south zone. The spring truck weight restrictions continue on Highway 277 between Glueck and Highway 40 because of soil weakness.

Spring load restrictions are still in effect in the north-central and north frost zones.

Ending dates for spring load restrictions are 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.

Middle-range overweight permits become available within each frost zone when spring load restrictions are lifted. Full-summer overweight permits become available within each frost zone starting two to three weeks after spring load restrictions are lifted.

Travelers in Minnesota can get up-to-date information on road conditions, construction and weather reports by dialing 511 or visiting www.511mn.org.