ST.
PAUL, Minn. - With the onset of warmer temperatures, the
Minnesota Department of Transportation will end winter axle
load increases in the southern, southeastern and eight-county
Twin Cities metro area frost zones on Feb. 26 at 12:01 a.m.;
the department will put spring weight restrictions in effect
in those zones at 12:01 a.m. on Feb. 27.
Winter
load increases remain in effect for the central, north-central
and north frost zones.
The
end of winter weight increases and start of spring road
restrictions are based on how weather conditions affect
roadway strength.
Maps
indicating the location of weight-restricted routes and
those state highways open to maximum 10-ton axle weights
are listed on Mn/DOT's Office of Materials Web site: http://www.mrr.dot.state.mn.us.
In addition to the Web site, Mn/DOT provides a recorded
message giving the starting and ending dates by calling
1-800/723-6543 (toll-free) or 651/747-2253.
Mn/DOT
officials advise truckers and shippers of changes now in
effect for this season:
1. The
former northern frost zone is now divided into two zones:
the north zone and the north-central zone
2. The boundary between the north-central zone and the central
zone has been slightly modified
3. The boundaries of the Twin Cities metro area, southern
and southeastern zones remain essentially unchanged but
include minor clarifications
4. The same zone boundaries will apply to both winter load
increases and spring load restrictions
5. Vehicles with the proper permits will be allowed to operate
at 10 percent above the standard maximum load on both 10-
and 9-ton routes during the winter load increase period.
The
new zones are based on the results of an advisory task force
established by the Legislature.
Too
Fast. Too Close. Too Late.
See
ORANGE.
