Spring Load Restrictions Start for South, Southeast, Metro, Central Frost Zones

Winter load increases will end Thursday, March 14 and spring load restrictions will start Friday, March 15 on highways in the south, southeast, metro and central frost zones, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation. The frost zones can be found on the MnDOT load limits map.

Road restriction maps showing locations of weight-restricted routes are listed at mndot.gov/loadlimits. Click on Spring Load Restrictions and then any of the mapping options.

Overweight permits for more than 80,000 pound gross vehicle weight will continue and new permits will be issued if all axle and group weights are legal. See axle weight limits.

Full-summer overweight permits can be issued during the spring load restriction period when engaging in interstate through movement travel only (no starting or stopping off the interstate system).

Middle-range overweight permits become available within each frost zone when spring load restrictions are lifted. Full-summer overweight permits become available two to three weeks after spring load restrictions are lifted. 

Ending dates for spring load restrictions are variable and based on how weather is affecting roadway strength.