Winter load increases end in north-central frost zone

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Transportation will end winter load increases in the north-central frost zone Saturday, Feb. 25.

Road restriction maps showing the locations of weight-restricted routes and those state highways open to maximum 10-ton axle weights are listed at www.mndot.gov/loadlimits. Also available is a text list of the restricted segments and exceptions to the map.

Overweight permits for more than 80,000 pound gross vehicle weight will continue and new permits will be issued if all axle and group weights are legal. 

Full-summer overweight permits can be issued during the spring load restriction period only on interstate through movements.

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

Ending dates for spring load restrictions are variable and based on how weather is affecting roadway strength. 

For questions about over legal weight and size heavy haul trucking, call 651-296-6000 or email ofcvopermits.dot@state.mn.us. For questions about enforcement, call 651-405-6196 (select option 3, option 3).

MnDOT will report dates on its 24-hour automated message center at 1‑800‑723‑6543 for the U.S. and Canada, and locally at 651‑366‑5400 for the Minneapolis/St.Paul area.

Spring Load Restrictions

The ending date for Winter Load Increases and  the starting date for Spring Load Restrictions in the South, Southeast and Metro frost zones will be Friday, February 17, 2017 at 12:01 AM.

Road Restriction maps indicating the locations of weight restricted routes and those state highways open to maximum ten-ton axle weights are listed on the MnDOT Seasonal Load Limits website at www.mndot.gov/loadlimits. Click on “Seasonal Load Limits,” then click on “Spring Load Restrictions (SLR).” Also available is a text list of the restricted segments along with exceptions to the map.

Overweight Permits for over 80,000 lb Gross Vehicle Weight will continue and new permits will be issued if all axle and group weights are legal. 

Up to full-summer overweight permits can be issued during the Spring Load Restriction period only on interstate through movements.

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. 

For questions about enforcement call:
Minnesota Department of Public Safety
State Patrol - Commercial Vehicle Enforcement
651-405-6196 (select Option 3, Option 3).

For questions about over legal weight/size "heavy haul" trucking call:
Minnesota Department of Transportation, Freight and Commercial Vehicle Operations - Oversize/Weight Permits 651-296-6000 or email:  ofcvopermits.dot@state.mn.us

The ending dates for Spring Load Restrictions are based on how weather is affecting roadway strength.  These dates are established by monitoring roadway strength as weather conditions change.  Therefore, the ending dates for Spring Load Restrictions are variable.

As soon as a date is set, MnDOT will report this date on its 24-hour automated message center at 1‑800‑723‑6543 for the USA and Canada, and locally at 651‑366‑5400 for the Minneapolis/St Paul area. This information is also published on the MnDOT Seasonal Load Limits website: www.mndot.gov/loadlimits

Environmental Assessment released for the Baudette/Rainy River International Bridge replacement project

BEMIDJI, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Transportation invites the public to attend an open house and public hearing on Tuesday, February 21 regarding the proposed replacement of the Baudette/Rainy River International Bridge.

The open house and public hearing will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the City of Baudette Council Chambers 106 Main Street West in Baudette. The event will provide an opportunity for citizens to review the proposed project and potential environmental impacts, make comments, and ask questions. MnDOT officials will be available to answer questions.

The Environmental Assessment/Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EA/EAW) document states the purpose and need of the project along with the anticipated social, economic, and environmental impacts.  The document is available on the project website at www.mndot.gov/baudette-bridge.

Copies of the EA/EAW are available upon request in alternative formats to individuals with disabilities. The documents are also available for public viewing during business hours at the following locations:

·         Baudette Public Library, 110 First Ave SW, Baudette, MN 56623

·         MnDOT District 2 Office, 3920 Highway 2 West, Bemidji, MN 56601

·         MnDOT Library, 395 John Ireland Boulevard, St. Paul, MN  55155

·         Environmental Conservation Library, Hennepin County Library, 300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, MN  54401

Written comments will be accepted at the public hearing or via mail, prior to the close of the 45-day public comment period on March 23, 2017, to Joseph McKinnon, Project Manager, 3920 Highway 2 West, Bemidji, MN 56601.

The project to replace the bridge is a joint effort between the Minnesota Department of Transportation and the Ontario Ministry of Transportation. It will provide a more structurally sound crossing, which will improve mobility between the two cities.

To view project materials and designs, or stay connected with the project:

Check the website at www.mndot.gov/baudette-bridge  

Sign up for project email updates

Join the interactive discussion

To request an ASL or foreign language interpreter, call 651-366-4720.  To request other reasonable accommodations, call 651-366-4718 or email adarequest.dot@state.mn.us.