The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) recently confirmed that select highways will see these limitations lifted this week. However, they emphasized that their spring load restriction report is a general guideline and that posted load restriction signs hold precedence. To access a copy of the official load restriction report, you can contact the SDDOT directly at 605-773-3571.

Highways With Lifted Load Restrictions and Dates

Effective April 10:

• State Highway 1804: Mile Markers 112.13 to 120.16

• State Highway 1806: Mile Markers 15.68 to 25.75, 37.88 to 48.55

• State Highway 251: Mile Markers 0 to 15.84

Effective April 14:

• State Highway 79: Mile Markers 150.7 to 199.32

• U.S. Highway 16A: Mile Markers 26.25 to 55.76

• State Highway 87: Mile Markers 47.27 to 79.36

• State Highway 89: Mile Markers 58.51 to 64.58

• State Highway 40: Mile Markers 48.6 to 69

• State Highway 26: Mile Markers 230.12 to 252.85, 253.85 to 267.77

• State Highway 20: Mile Markers 240.83 to 253.87

• State Highway 63: Mile Markers 252.19 to 260.64

• State Highway 271: Mile Markers 166.82 to 173.74

• State Highway 1806: Mile Markers 359.75 to 363.43, 364.61 to 386.83

Visit the SDDOT website for an interactive load restrictions map. Click here to subscribe to email updates for the latest information.

Important Considerations for County Roads

South Dakota transportation officials noted that load limits on county roads are distinct from state highway restrictions. The county determines and enforces these limitations. If you have specific questions about load postings on county roads, contact the designated county superintendent directly.

Stay informed and protect South Dakota’s road infrastructure during this seasonal transition by adhering to the most current guidelines.

Source: Land Line

The post Spring Load Restrictions Lifted on South Dakota Highways appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Updates in Michigan

Michigan’s Department of Transportation (MDOT) began enforcing spring weight restrictions on all state trunkline highways starting Monday, March 3. These measures aim to protect roadways as seasonal changes make them more vulnerable to damage.

MDOT provided the following guidelines for restricted areas:

• All-Season Routes: Legal axle weights remain unchanged on these routes.

• Oversize Loads: Extended permits remain valid in restricted areas. However, single-trip permits for loads exceeding 14 feet in width, 11 axles, 150 feet in total length, or for overweight loads will not be issued on restricted routes.

• Seasonal Routes: Weight reductions are set to 25% for rigid pavements and 35% for flexible pavements, with maximum speeds capped at 35 mph for select vehicles.

Additional details, including speed restrictions and rules for propane deliveries and service vehicles, are available on the Michigan Department of Transportation website.

Wisconsin Implements Class II Restrictions

On Thursday, March 6, Wisconsin’s Department of Transportation (WisDOT) enacted Class II weight restrictions for most of its state highways. More highways have started these restrictions Monday, March 10.

WisDOT emphasized that Class II roads are particularly prone to damage during spring, as thawing frost weakens the ground. Local governments within Wisconsin may also impose additional load limits or restrictions on county, town, city, and village roads.

To assist truckers and businesses, an interactive map detailing seasonal weight restrictions throughout the state has been made available online.

Other States’ Updates

Minnesota ended its winter truck load limits as of February 28, signaling the transition to spring requirements. Meanwhile, North Dakota implemented its spring load limits on Friday, March 7.

Source: Land Line

The post Spring Truck Load Restrictions Take Effect Across the Midwest appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

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

The post Breaking: Seasonal Load Limits Are Changing – Here’s the Latest appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.