Spring truck weight restrictions on state highways in Borderland and roads under Koochiching County jurisdiction begin Tuesday, according to state and county officials.
County Highway Engineer Doug Grindall reported that restrictions on the county’s road system will coincide with Tuesday’s restrictions on state highways.
Restrictions for highways in the north zone, which includes Borderland, include roads from the Canadian border to a line following and including Highway 1 at the North Dakota state line east to Highway 89, south to U.S. Highway 2 east to Highway 33, south through Cloquet to Interstate 35 north to the Carlton/St. Louis County line and then south on that line to the Wisconsin state line.
The restrictions go into effect Monday in Minnesota's north-central frost zone, located south of the north zone, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.
Spring weight restrictions are already in place for the south, southeast, central and Twin Cities Metro area frost zones.
MnDOT limits truck weights to prevent damage to roads weakened during the spring thaw.
Spring load restriction dates and the six frost zones in Minnesota are listed on MnDOT’s website at www.mrr.dot.state.mn.us. Click on "Seasonal Load Limits," then click on "Spring Load Restrictions" for the most up-to-date information.
The information also is available toll-free by calling 1-800-723-6543 in the United States and Canada or by calling 651-366-5400 in the Twin Cities Metro area.
Ending dates for spring load restrictions are established by monitoring roadway strength as weather conditions change. All changes are made with a minimal three-day notice.
Travelers in Minnesota can get up-to-date information on road conditions, construction and weather reports from MnDOT's 511 traveler information service. Dial 5-1-1 or visit www.511mn.org.
