Road weight restrictions begin tomorrow

It’s that time of the year.  MNDOT is enacting its spring weight restrictions for state highways to protect them from damage as they soften during the thawing of winter frost.  The restrictions begin tomorrow in the state’s South, Southeast and Twin Cities Metro zones.  MNDOT says winter load increases and overweight permits remain in place for the rest of the state.  Counties are expected to set their spring restrictions in the near future.

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.
Road restriction maps showing the locations of weight-restricted routes and state highways open to maximum 10-ton axle weights are listed at  "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.