Heavy loads, softening roads: Know your spring weight restrictions
Unpredictable weather patterns mean it’s never too soon to start thinking about spring weight restrictions. Seasonal weight restrictions can vary from year to year, usually beginning sometime between mid-March and late May.
The goal of these limits is to reduce road damage and keep the highways running smoothly. As frost melts and comes out of the ground, the roads become more fragile and can crack. Highway infrastructure funds are hard to generate, and states simply can’t afford the expenses of repairing or replacing roadways due to heavy loads during the spring — and so spring weight restrictions were born.
Once the frost line is deep enough for moisture to escape, states and provinces will lift the imposed weight restrictions.
Monitor your limits
Motor carriers and their drivers can monitor state and province websites for affected highways and the effective dates of spring weight restrictions. Signing up for automatic email or text alerts from the states and provinces is another way to stay up to date.
Spring weight limits will be less than the normal posted weight of the road, and drivers of heavy vehicles should watch for road signs indicating seasonal weight restrictions. Drivers should plan ahead and leave enough time to change course in case they need to avoid restricted roads.
Different road types = different limits
Interstates and state highways have their own weight limits. Weight limits on local and secondary roads may have stricter limits than primary highways. The design of the road will determine how soon the road can return to regular weight limits.
- Primary roadways: Interstates and major highways generally have thick, well-graded foundations, so they recover more quickly. The final surface is often reinforced concrete, which remains strong and secure regardless of the season.
- Secondary roadways: The foundations of these roads aren’t as heavy or thick as those of primary roads, so it takes longer for them to return to regular weight limits. Secondary roads are often topped with asphalt, which is not as rigid as concrete. The combination of wet conditions and softer foundations makes the roadways unable to support as much weight as they can during a dry summer or frozen winter.
Remember, all states and provinces have their own restrictions
While weight limits are more prevalent in the northern half of the U.S. and into Canada, any state or province can impose restrictions.
When enforcing spring weight restrictions, state law enforcement will sometimes use portable scales on secondary roads. The portable scales aren’t meant to “catch” drivers, but are there to remind them of the importance of following spring weight restrictions.