The purpose of the spring road restrictions is to protect the highways from break-up during the spring thaw. During the spring, when warmer temperatures cause the road surface to break up and generally deteriorate, the highways most affected are restricted to lower axle weights and speed restrictions. Signs indicating that a road is posted for lower weights are erected at the beginning of a posted road.
As spring starts in different states and provinces at different times, it is important for truck drivers to be aware of the different spring road restriction. Spring road restrictions can start as early as February and last into May. During these months it is important to check the restrictions for the areas you will be traveling.
Below you will find links to various state and provincial Department of Transportation websites that provide information on their specific spring road restrictions.
Manitoba Spring Road Restrictions
Manitoba DOT may restrict loads on their highways any time from March to May.
Saskatchewan Spring Road Restrictions
http://www.highways.gov.sk.ca/springroad-restrictions/
Saskatchewan DOT may restrict loads on their highways any time from March to May.
Alberta Spring Road Restrictions
http://www.transportation.alberta.ca/522.htm
Alberta DOT may restrict loads on their highways any time from March to May.
North Dakota Spring Road Restrictions
https://www.dot.nd.gov/roadreport/loadlimit/loadlimitinfo.asp
North Dakota DOT may restrict loads on their highways any time from March to May.
South Dakota Spring Road Restrictions
http://www.sddot.com/travelers/loadlimits/
South Dakota DOT may restrict loads on their highways any time from February to April.
Minnesota Spring Road Restrictions
http://www.mrr.dot.state.mn.us/research/seasonal_load_limits/thawindex/slr.asp
Minnesota DOT may restrict loads on their highways any time from February to May.
Montana Spring Road Restrictions
http://www.mdt.mt.gov/travinfo/
Montana DOT may restrict loads on their highways any time from February to May.
