Spring Load Restrictions Begin March 13 For St. Louis Cty Roads

One of the sure signs of spring is when load restrictions begin to be placed on our area roads.  Restrictions for the North-Central and North Frost zones will start on Friday, March 13 at 12:01 AM.  These restrictions include roads in St. Louis County.

Here are the details:

• Unpaved roads:  Restricted to 5-tons per axle.  Unpaved roads are typically not posted as Minnesota Statute governs load restrictions on unpaved roads.  Unpaved roads may accommodate higher than the 5-ton limit, only if the postings are in place.
• Paved roads:  The paved roads that are restricted will be posted with the effective per axle weight restrictions.  Paved roads that are not posted remain at 10-tons per axle.

St. Louis County suggests that fuel oil suppliers should consider topping off their customers tanks prior to the posting of spring load restrictions, as their cargo tank vehicles are likely overweight on many county roads.  According to information released by the county, school buses, milk transport vehicles, public and cooperative utility maintenance vehicles, recycling, garbage vehicles, and cargo tank vehicles delivering home heating fuel fall under specific requirements based on Minnesota Statute.

The effective weight restrictions will remain in place for an undefined period of time - based on how the weather is affecting roadway strength.