Forest managers want to remind commercial vehicle drivers that National Forest System roads within the Superior National Forest (SNF) are heading into seasonal load restriction of four (4) tons per axle.

Spring restrictions go into effect on Monday, March 11 for the west side of the SNF including the Kawishiwi Ranger District (Ely, MN), Laurentian Ranger District (Aurora, MN), and LaCroix Ranger District (Cook, MN). Currently, hauling is still permitted during evening and early morning hours on the eastern on the eastern side of the Forest (Tofte and Gunflint Ranger Districts (Grand Marais, MN)). However, hauling operations will also pause on the east side of the Forest when conditions deteriorate.

State and county spring load limits are in effect for all other roads. Limiting heavy loads and decreasing motorized use in the spring on roads and trails in freeze-thaw environments like Minnesota helps to protect the infrastructure and minimizes resource damage. Load limits are expected to continue into May.

“Our main goal is to reduce negative impacts to road surfaces like rutting, washouts, and other resource damage that vehicular traffic can cause during the spring”–Preston Tripp, Civil Engineer on the Superior National Forest. 

For more information regarding seasonal load restrictions see the Minnesota Department of Transportation website for spring restrictions.

https://www.dot.state.mn.us/loadlimits/index.html