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 East Bethel roads are 5-ton per axle unless otherwise noted.

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, 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 East Bethel follows the Minnesota Department of Transportation's (MnDOT) start and end dates for Winter Load Increases and Spring Load Restrictions. For further information on these dates, visit MnDOT's website.

Notifications

Notification of the date road restrictions go into effect will be posted at the MnDOT website, or you may call (651) 366-5400 or toll free at (800) 723-6543.

Exceptions

Exceptions to the seasonal load limits in East Bethel are made for emergency response vehicles, school buses, and emergency utility repair vehicles/equipment. Permits may be issued to moving vans/trucks; all other vehicles must follow the posted weight limits.