Wright County highway officials are prepping motorists for an earlier-than-usual imposition of spring load restrictions on roadways, thanks to this winter's uncharacteristically mild weather. Typically announced by the Minnesota Department of Transportation, these restrictions could come at short notice this year, possibly earlier than the historical average start in March.
The announcement, which spells out the limitations on vehicle weight to prevent road damage during the thawing period, often has minimal lead time. According to a Wright County Highway Department alert, the notice might drop as early as a couple of weeks from now, instead of the usual March implementation. The department has seen the spring load restrictions kick into gear in March for 11 of the past 13 years, with February start dates being somewhat of an anomaly — happening only twice in that timeframe on Feb. 29, 2016, and Feb. 21, 2017.
Officials are keeping an eye on the ground conditions at the MnROAD facility on I-94, where the frost level currently stands at just 24 feet deep, with the thaw already hitting 12 feet down. With the recent surge in temperatures, these depths have narrowed even further, intensifying the likelihood of an early start to the restrictions. The department urges locals and businesses needing to transport heavy equipment to act swiftly, as the window for unrestricted movement is quickly closing.
"If you know anyone who needs to move equipment before the restrictions take place make them aware that the clock is ticking on getting that work done," stated the Wright County Highway Department on their website. With the potential for the weight limits to remain anywhere from four to eight weeks, motorists involved in freight and construction are encouraged to stay alert to MnDOT's imminent announcement regarding the exact commencement of these seasonal weight restrictions.
