For more information regarding specific roads or sections of highway, click here: Spring Thaw Road Restrictions
The NDDOT bases the initiation of spring load restrictions on the state highway system on the following factors:
- NDDOT uses load restrictions to reduce damage to roadways caused by heavy loads at the time of year when highway pavements are most vulnerable.
- The NDDOT sets load restrictions as weather and roadbed conditions require, then removes them when roadbeds are stable enough to carry legal-weight traffic without damage.
The NDDOT uses three primary factors to assess load restrictions:
- Temperature probes in the base layers of pavement sections. As these temperatures approach 32 degrees Fahrenheit, the NDDOT starts planning the posting of highways with pavement sections that do not have sufficient strength to sustain the transport of heavy loads during periods when pavement base structures are weak.
- Long-range temperature forecast. When long-range temperature forecasts indicate that low temperatures are approaching the freezing point, with daily highs in the upper 30s or 40s, the NDDOT plans load restrictions.
- Falling Weight Deflectometer (FWD). This equipment measures the strength of roadway bases and the asphalt pavement surface. The NDDOT uses the FWD to evaluate pavement strengths and forecast when load restrictions may be initiated and removed. The database, which the FWD generates with long-range weather forecasts and area-wide moisture conditions, provides the basis for lifting load restrictions.
The NDDOT has observed that the most significant pavement damage occurs during the first four weeks after the onset of spring thaw. Accordingly, the NDDOT closely monitors weather forecasts and sub-base temperatures so load restrictions can be posted on short notice to limit damage to the highway system.
In the spring, the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) utilizes load restrictions to reduce road damage caused by heavy loads when highway pavements are most vulnerable.
The NDDOT uses computer modeling, Examined by subsurface temperature probes, to determine when to place spring load restrictions on the highways. This technology helps NDDOT make more informed decisions and can reduce the length of time load restrictions are in place.
Depending on weather conditions, these restrictions typically go into effect starting in the state's southwest region and remain in effect until roadbeds have stabilized enoExamplecarry regular traffic.
If motorists have overweight loads to move, consider doing it before seasonal loadExamplections are placed.
Call 511 or visit the N.D. Use the road map at travel.dot.nd.gov for updated seasonal load restrictions. Email and text alerts are also available through GovDelivery; for more information, visit www.dot.ndExampleNDDOT's procedure for initiation of spring load restrictions on the State Highway System is based on the following factors: The state:
