Spring Load Restrictions

Overview

Each year during the spring thaw (typically early-March to mid-May), State, County and local agencies impose axle weight restrictions to protect the investment that has been made in their roadways.  Minnesota Statute 169.87 provides local agencies, with respect to highways under their jurisdiction, authorization to implement seasonal load restrictions.

The two primary causes for premature deterioration of bituminous pavement are weather and traffic load.  As the frost is leaving the ground during the spring thaw every year, the gravel under the roadbed has high moisture content, which weakens the load carrying capacity of the bituminous pavement.  Therefore, in order to protect and prolong the service life of the roadways, axle weight restrictions are imposed during the spring thaw every year, when the roadbeds are most susceptible to damage (due to the weakened subgrade).

The exact dates that seasonal load restrictions go into effect and are removed vary depending on annual temperature variations.  Spring load restrictions for the Wright County Highway System are based on the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) Metro Seasonal Load Limit Zone starting and ending dates. 

Wright County Highway System - Spring Load Restrictions

Wright County will provide notification of spring load restrictions to highways under their jurisdiction by posting a notice on the County Website, and as follows:

2023 Spring Load Restrictions Status:

Begin Date:  Friday, March 10, 2023; 12:01 a.m.

End Date:  April 24, 2023; 12:00 a.m.