Road Restrictions

Overview

Each year during the spring thaw (typically early-March to mid-May), State, County, and local highway authorities impose axle weight restrictions to protect their roadways. 

All City of North Saint Paul roads is 4-ton per axle unless otherwise noted. The two primary causes for the premature deterioration of asphalt streets are weather and traffic. As the frost is leaving the ground during the spring thaw, the gravel under the street has a high moisture content, which affects the load-carrying capacity of the asphalt pavement. Therefore, in order to prolong the service life of the streets and highways, axle weight restrictions are imposed during the spring thaw when streets are most susceptible to damage due to heavy loads.

The exact dates on which seasonal limits go into effect and are removed vary depending on annual temperature variations. The City of North Saint Paul follows the Minnesota Department of Transportation’s (MnDOT) start and end dates for Winter Load Increases and Spring Load Restrictions.

The maximum duration for these spring weight restrictions will not exceed 8 (8) weeks unless extraordinary conditions exist that require additional time or route-specific signage is posted.

Notifications

Notification of the date road restrictions go into effect will be posted on the City of North Saint Paul website or you may subscribe to our Road and Street Notices online or call (651) 747-2400 for more information.

Exceptions

Exceptions to the seasonal load limits in North Saint Paul are made for emergency response vehicles, school buses, public works equipment, trash and recycling trucks, and emergency utility repair vehicles/equipment. Permits may be issued to other vehicles on a case-by-case basis. For consideration please complete a road restriction allowance permit.