WILLMAR -- Winter load increases for heavy trucks will begin today in the central frost zone, the Minnesota Department of Transportation has announced. Load increases will begin on highways where weight limits are not posted.
The central zone extends from U.S. Highway 12 to and including a line following U.S. Highway 10 from the North Dakota state line east to Staples; Highway 210 east to Brainerd, then Highway 18 east of Interstate 35; I-35 south to Highway 48; and Highway 48 east to the Wisconsin state line.
Vehicles will be allowed to operate at 10 percent over the standard maximum load on both 10-ton and 9-ton routes during the period. However, trucks must comply with registration weight laws and not exceed registered gross weight tolerances. Also, gross vehicle weight is capped at 80,000 pounds on 9-ton township and city routes.
MnDOT urges trucking operators to check with cities, counties and townships before increasing truck weights on those routes.
