A Message from the Wright County Highway Department:
Spring Load Restrictions will take effect on Wright County Highways at 12:01 a.m. Friday, March 10. Posted axle weight limit signs will govern the vehicle weights on posted roads. All restriction limits are gross axle weights. No overweight permits will be issued to vehicles that exceed the posted limits.
The restrictions are put in place annually to preserve the life of roads. 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 pavement. Therefore, in order to protect and prolong the service life of the roadways, axle weight restrictions are imposed during the spring thaw period every year, when the roadbeds are most susceptible to damage (due to the weakened subgrade). Typically, the restrictions are in place for about eight weeks.
Minnesota Statute 169.87 establishes weight restrictions. The weight on any single axle shall not exceed five tons of any unpaved street or highway; or 10 tons on a paved street or highway unless posted otherwise between the dates set by the Commissioner of Transportation. Wright County follows the Minnesota Department of Transportation Metro Spring Load Limit (SLL) zone start and end dates for restrictions.
Cooperation and compliance with the legal posted weight limits is needed to minimize unnecessary damage to our roads.
For more information regarding statewide seasonal load limit restrictions, check the MnDOT website: https://www.dot.state.mn.us/loadlimits/index.html. Restrictions will remain in effect until further notice.
A map showing the load limits on the Wright County highways is available on our web site at https://www.co.wright.mn.us/904/Spring-Load-Restrictions or email a request to loren.green@co.wright.mn.us or call 763-682-7383.