Spring load restrictions begin

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Winter load increases will end Thursday, March 14 and spring load restrictions will start Friday, March 15 on highways in the south, southeast, metro and central frost zones, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation. The frost zones can be found on the MnDOT load limits map.

Road restriction maps showing locations of weight-restricted routes are listed at mndot.gov/loadlimits. Click on Spring Load Restrictions and then any of the mapping options.

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. See axle weight limits.

Full-summer overweight permits can be issued during the spring load restriction period when engaging in interstate through movement travel only (no starting or stopping off the interstate system).

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. 

MnDOT will report start and end 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.

For questions about legal axle weight during spring load restrictions or the gross vehicle weight schedule, call the Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Commercial Vehicle Enforcement at 651-350-2000.

For questions about oversize/overweight loads/permitting call MnDOT’s Freight and Commercial Vehicle Operations – Oversize/Overweight Permits at 651-296-6000 or email ofcvopermits.dot@state.mn.us

For updated road condition information, call 511 or visit www.511mn.org.

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Spring Load Restrictions Begin

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The ENDING DATE for Winter Load Increases and STARTING DATE for Spring Load Restrictions in the NORTH-CENTRAL FROST ZONE will be Tuesday, March 8, 2016 at 12:01 AM.

Spring Load Restrictions have already begun in the SOUTH, SOUTHEAST, METRO and CENTRAL FROST ZONES.

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

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.dot.state.mn.us/materials.

Spring truck weight restrictions end

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Spring truck weight restrictions on state highways will end Thursday, May 7, for Minnesota's Central frost zone, and on Friday, May 8, for the North-Central and North frost zones, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation. 

Spring load restrictions ended April 22 in the South, Southeast and Metro frost zones.

Ending dates for spring load restrictions vary and are established by monitoring roadway strength as weather conditions change.

Frost zones

·         The Central frost zone extends south from the southern limit of the North-Central Zone (US 10 – Highway 210 – Highway 18 – Interstate 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.

·         The North frost zone extends south from the Canadian border to a line following and including Highway 1 at the North Dakota state line east to Highway 89, Highway 89 south to US 2, US 2 east to Highway 33, Highway 33 south through Cloquet to I-35, I-35 north to the Carlton/St. Louis county line, and then south on that line to the Wisconsin state line.

·         The North-Central frost zone extends south from the southern limit of the North Zone (Highway 1 – Highway 89 – US 2 – Highway 33 – I-35 – Carlton/St. Louis county line – Wisconsin state line) to a line following and including US 10 from the North Dakota state line east to Motley, Highway 210 east to Brainerd, Highway 18 east to I-35, I-35 south to Highway 48, and then Highway 48 east to the Wisconsin state 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.

Reminder: Spring wild turkey permit application deadline is Friday

The deadline to apply for early season spring wild turkey hunting permits is Friday, Jan. 9, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

The spring season, which runs from April 15 to May 28, is divided into eight time periods. Only people age 18 and older who want to hunt during the first three time periods (A-C) need to apply for a spring turkey permit. Permits for the remaining time periods (D-H) can be purchased over-the-counter.

Permits for the last five time periods and youth licenses for any time period are sold over-the-counter starting March 1. Surplus adult licenses from the first three time periods, if available, are sold starting around mid-March.

For more information, see www.mndnr.gov/hunting/turkey.

Spring Electrical Safety

Fergus Falls, MN – Even though this spring’s thaw has been slow in coming, Otter Tail Power Company reminds its customers and neighbors that electricity and water don’t mix.

Remember that the spring thaw can cause high water levels that can reduce line clearances, and that increases the potential for accidental contact with electricity. Otter Tail Power Company’s Safety Director Eric Hamm urges flood response personnel to be especially alert when their work in flooded areas might put them in contact with energized electrical equipment including overhead lines, transformers, and substations.

Hamm also warns area residents not to go near any flooded areas, including basements, if the water level has reached any part of the electrical system such as electrical outlets or the electrical connections on water heaters, water softeners, heating systems, etc.

Visit www.otpco.com and click on Outages/safety and then select Take precautions during spring floods for helpful how-to videos (https://www.otpco.com/OutageSafety/PowerOutages/Pages/SpringFloodPrecautions.aspx).

Here are some other safety tips for anyone who might be affected by high-water conditions:

• Before high waters arrive, stock a supply of bottled drinking water and food that requires little cooking and no refrigeration. Your emergency kit should contain a manual can opener, battery-powered radio and flashlight, and extra batteries, as well as medicines and baby and pet supplies, if applicable. Charge your cell phone and keep the charger with you in case you need to leave your home.
• Make sure your sump pump is operational and that the discharge hose isn’t frozen or plugged. Pour some water into the sump to see if the pump starts. If it doesn’t, check the electrical connections, consult your owner’s manual, or call a plumber.
• Do not use power tools or other electrical appliances in damp or wet areas.
• It’s a good idea to have a battery-operated power supply or portable generator to run the sump pump and other critical electrical appliances in case of a power interruption. But remember to disconnect these power supplies if you must evacuate.
• Don’t connect a portable generator directly to your home’s wiring and never plug it into a regular household outlet. Power only essential equipment because overloading your gen erator can damage appliances and electronics. Use adequately sized power cords to support the electrical load, and make sure your generator is properly grounded. And be sure to read and follow the manufacturer’s other instructions for safely operating a portable generator.
• Plug basement floor drains, bathtubs, sinks, and toilets in case your basement floods or the power goes out.
• If you must evacuate your home or business and don’t know how to shut off your main breaker or fuse box, call Otter Tail Power Company’s 800-257-4044 customer service number for advice or assistance.
• Don’t even consider going near a downed power line or near water that’s in contact with any electrical component such as a pad-mount transformer or a downed power line.
• Don’t attempt to operate electrical appliances or equipment that have been submerged in floodwater.

Power can be disconnected in an emergency situation by a public safety official, which may include the mayor, incident commander, or fire chief. “If your home has been without electrical service, either at your request, public safety official order, or due to a flood-related power interruption, electrical codes may require an electrical inspector’s wiring certificate before your home can be reenergized,” says Hamm. If any customer has questions about how flooding may affect your electrical service, call Otter Tail Power Company’s customer service number 800-257-4044.

Otter Tail Power Company, a subsidiary of Otter Tail Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select Market: OTTR), is headquartered in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. It provides electricity and energy services to more than a quarter million people in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota. To learn more abou t Otter Tail Power Company visit www.otpco.com. To learn more about Otter Tail Corporation visit www.ottertail.com.

MN Spring Truck Weight Restrictions

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Spring truck weight restrictions on state highways will begin March 15 for Minnesota's south, southeast and Twin Cities Metro area frost zones.

Winter load increases and overweight permits remain in place for the state's central, north-central and north frost zones.

MnDOT limits truck weights to prevent damage to roads weakened during the spring thaw.

Spring load restriction dates and the six frost zones in Minnesota are listed at www.mrr.dot.state.mn.us. Click on "Seasonal Load Limits," then click on "Spring Load Restrictions" for the most up-to-date information.

The information also is available toll-free by calling 1-800-723-6543 in the United States and Canada or by calling 651-366-5400 in the Twin Cities Metro area.

Ending dates for spring load restrictions get decided by monitoring road strength as weather conditions change. All changes are made with a minimum 3-day notice.

Travelers in Minnesota can get up-to-date information on road conditions, construction and weather reports from MnDOT's 511 traveler information service at www.511mn.org.

BBB Advice for Spring (Drain) Cleaning

Saint Paul, MN – March 6, 2012 – As spring draws near, many homeowners begin the process of spring cleaning, which often includes getting their drains cleaned. Drain cleaning rids your home of unwanted odors, and helps avoid clogged sinks, overflowing toilets, and laundry room floods. The Better Business Bureau of Minnesota and North Dakota (BBB) advises consumers to prepare themselves and do preliminary research before hiring someone to clean their drains this spring. Consumers should be aware that not all drain cleaners are licensed plumbers. However, many plumbers do perform drain cleaning services.

Drain clogs have many different causes, with the most common causes involving weather, remnants of materials that are flushed down toilets or sinks, or tree roots growing through breaks in the pipes. Homeowners are responsible for the section of pipe running from the home to its connection with the city pipe, which is usually found under the street. Your local water and sewer department can tell you what your responsibility is and consumers should check with them before having any work performed.

Because regular home maintenance may not take care of drain issues completely, many homeowners look to professional drain cleaning and plumbing businesses to solve these problems.

“It’s important for consumers to know what questions to ask their prospective drain cleaners so they can avoid misunderstandings and potential complications” says Dana Badgerow, President and CEO of the BBB of Minnesota and North Dakota.

The BBB recommends following these tips to help ensure a painless drain-cleaning experience:

Get references from friends and relatives and contact the Better Business Bureau to obtain free Business Reviews on any companies you consider hiring. Visit www.bbb.org or call 651-699-1111, toll-free at 1-800-646-6222.

Explore a variety of options. Shop around and get more than one estimate. Homeowners can expect different companies to suggest different options for solving problems, which also means varying price points. Some of the different options may include taking a video of the line, which helps to determine the best course of treatment to solve the drain back-up issues, as well as any possible collapse of the pipe. It’s also a good idea to ask companies what they charge for this service upfront.

Call before you dig. Homeowners should also have 'call before you dig' services out before any digging is started. Many drain cleaning companies will include this call as part of their service package, but ask ahead of time. Let the drain cleaner know if any other utility work has been performed in the past few years.

Beware of additional fees. Ask about trip fees and other additional fees. Understand that most companies cannot give a true and accurate price quote without seeing the extent of the problem in your home.

Keep the company informed. Before the drain cleaners begin any work, inform them if you (or someone else) have recently tried a chemical or other treatment to clean your drains. Several chemical treatments do work but may need additional time to take full effect. In addition, some of the chemicals a homeowner may use might have harmful effects on the people working to clear the drain or may react badly with treatments performed by the drain cleaning company.

Make sure you understand the process. Get information from the company about what kind of techniques they’ll use to clean your drains. If they use che micals, make sure to verify that they will not cause problems for the pipes you have and that they are compatible with other drain cleaning products you might buy and use in the future. Oftentimes, drain cleaners will offer to sell you some of the same product they use so you can maintain your drains after their work is completed.

Ask about the company’s warranty. Make sure to find out all the details about follow-up and potential issues that could arise in the future. Some companies will offer a one year warranty, while others offer a six month warranty.

Do your research. Find out what caused the problem and how often it may occur in the future. Consider main line repairs, which can be expensive, but will often resolve the problems for many years to come.

For more tips you can trust, visit www.bbb.org/us/bbb-news.