Return to Archived Stories

County, city, and township roads will automatically reduce to five-ton axle limits during the period that spring road restrictions are in effect on state highways.

Spring load restrictions for the south, southeastern, central, and metro zones of the state went into effect in February.

Weather-based models using actual and forecasted daily air temperatures determine the placement and removal of spring load restrictions. As a result, the end of spring load restrictions is no longer fixed at eight weeks.

Announcements of increases and restrictions are made with at least three-day notice.

A statewide road map - which shows any weight-restricted routes and any highways open to ten-ton axle weights - can be found on the MnDOT website at www.mnroad. dot.state.mn.us. More information on spring restrictions and the exact boundaries of frost zones can also be found on the website.

MnDOT also offers recorded telephone messages to provide the start and end of the spring road restrictions. The toll-free number is 1-800-723-6543.