Breaking: Seasonal Load Limits Are Changing – Here’s the Latest

As the seasons shift, multiple states update their load limit regulations to reflect the changing conditions. Here’s what to expect.

Updates in Minnesota

The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) has announced that winter load increase limits in the Metro, South, and Southeast zones officially came to an end on Friday, February 28. Overweight permits for loads exceeding 80,000 pounds gross vehicle weight will remain in effect, and new permits will be issued provided axle and group weights comply with the necessary standards.

MnDOT advises that changes to load limits will be communicated with at least three days’ notice. A full schedule of seasonal start and end dates is available on MnDOT’s official website.

Updates for North Dakota

Winter’s 10% weight exemption permit in North Dakota is slated to expire on March 7, per the North Dakota Highway Patrol. This exemption allows up to 10% over the standard load when carrying a divisible load that does not exceed 105,500 pounds gross weight.

However, the winter exemption will be canceled immediately if spring load restrictions take effect before March 7.

Wisconsin’s Frozen Road Period

Wisconsin’s “frozen road period” remains operational as of Wednesday, February 26. This exemption allows specific vehicles to adhere to unique weight and load guidelines, such as those transporting abrasives or salt for winter maintenance or forest products like peeled or unpeeled logs (excluding woodchips). Local road maintenance teams decide whether particular roads are frozen or beginning to thaw.

South Dakota’s Spring Load Restrictions

According to the South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT), to protect roads from potential damage during the spring thaw, the state may implement seasonal load limits through April 30.

Craig Smith, SDDOT’s Director of Operations, explained the intent behind such measures: “To prevent roadway damage and preserve our critical infrastructure, it can become necessary to temporarily restrict loads this time of year.”

The SDDOT carefully monitors daily temperature fluctuations and analyzes freeze/thaw data to ensure restrictions are applied only when deemed essential. This method minimizes unnecessary disruptions for businesses and drivers alike.

Looking for location-specific details? Additional spring load restriction information for South Dakota is readily available on their website.

Source: Land Line