Seasonal Road Weight 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. Medina City Code 415 authorizes the Public Works Director to impose restrictions within Medina, where most roadways are restricted to a four-ton axle weight limit during this time.
The two primary causes for 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 high moisture content, which affects the load carrying capacity of the asphalt pavement. Therefore, to prolong the service life of the streets and highways, and to keep the cost of road repairs down for taxpayers, axle weight restrictions are imposed during the spring thaw when streets are most susceptible to damage due to heavy loads.
Medina does not issue weight-increase permits during road weight restrictions, other than for emergency utility situations. Truck deliveries will need to wait until restrictions are lifted – or dropped off in smaller loads.
The exact dates on which seasonal limits go into effect and are removed vary depending on annual temperature variations. Seasonal load limits in Medina go into effect on the date determined by the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) for the Metro Area Frost Zone. MnDOT Seasonal Load Limits, unless noted otherwise.
We ask all residents and business owners to keep an eye out for large trucks using the roads during the restriction period. If you see them using a restricted road, please call 9-1-1 and report it. Help protect your roads!
Weight Restrictions Map
The Seasonal Road Weight Restrictions Map is updated annually and posted HERE on this website.
Notifications
Notification of the date road restrictions go into effect will be posted here on this website:
Other Road Restrictions
Contact Hennepin County Public Works at (612) 348-9330 for restrictions on county-maintained roadways and contact the Minnesota Department of Transportation at (651) 582-1550 for restrictions on state highways.