Spring road restrictions announced for more St. Louis County roads

Spring load restrictions have now been announced for the North Zone of Minnesota, which includes the majority of St. Louis County, from north of US Highway 2 and east of State Highway 33.

Restrictions will go into effect on Monday, March 11, at 12:01 a.m.

Restrictions have already been announced for the North Central Zone which includes the far southwest corner of the County south of U.S. Highway 2 and west of State Highway 33. These restrictions will go into effect Wednesday, March 6, at 12:01 a.m. Information on zone boundaries can be found on the Minnesota Department of Transportation’s website at mndot.gov/loadlimits.

The restrictions are as follows:

• Unpaved roads are restricted to five tons per axle. Unpaved roads are typically not posted because Minnesota Statutes automatically reduce the load capacity on unpaved roads during the spring load restrictions period. Unpaved roads may accommodate higher axle weights if postings are in place indicating a higher axle weight.
• Paved roads that are restricted will be posted with the maximum axle weight. Paved roads that are not posted remain at 10 tons per axle.
• School buses, vehicles transporting milk, public and cooperative utility maintenance vehicles, recycling and garbage vehicles, and cargo tank vehicles delivering home heating fuel are provided special allowances by Minnesota Statutes.

The ending date for spring load restrictions is based on how weather is affecting roadway strength. This date varies as weather conditions change, but typically occurs in May. St. Louis County load restriction maps can be viewed online at https://stlouiscountymn.gov/roadrestrictions.