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) Central Frost Zone starting and ending dates.  Information on the MnDOT Seasonal Load limits can be found by clicking on the link below:

• MnDOT Seasonal Load Limits

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:

2024 Spring Load Restrictions Status:
Begin Date: February 26, 2024 
End Date: March 18, 2024

Historical Spring Load Restriction Begin/Removal Dates:

• 2024 - February 26/ March 18
• 2023 - March 10/April 24 
• 2022 - March 18/May 13 
• 2021 - March 05/April 26
• 2020 - March 09/May 04
• 2019 - March 19/May 14
• 2018 - March 16/May 11
• 2017 - February 21/April 17
• 2016 - February 29/April 15
• 2015 - March 12/May 7

Interactive Weight Restriction Map