State and county Spring road information is released

Seasonal road restrictions in Cook County will go into effect at 12:01 a.m., Friday, March 18, and will remain in effect for a minimum of eight weeks.  Afterwards road restrictions will be lifted on a case-by-case basis as conditions warrant, according to the highway department.

Cook County roads are limited to 5 tons per axle unless otherwise posted.  A complete listing of affected roads can be found on the county’s website.

Spring truck weight restrictions on state highways also begins March 18 for Minnesota's north and north-central frost zones. Spring load restriction dates and the six frost zones in the state are listed on the Minnesota Department of Transportation’s website at www.mrr.dot.state.mn.us. Click on "Seasonal Load Limits," then click on "Spring Load Restrictions" for the most up-to-date information.
Travelers in Minnesota can get up-to-date information on road conditions, construction and weather reports from Mn/DOT's 511 traveler information service. Dial 5-1-1 or visit www.511mn.org.

Mn/DOT has also announced that it will remove trees and brush along the North Shore of Highway 61 in the Hovland area as soon as the weather permits. The highway safety project will remove trees and brush damaged during past storms, along with vegetation obscuring driver sight-lines and trees growing close to the highway.

The work areas are located between Judge Magney State Park and the Big Bay area. Work will occur during daylight hours only and may require traffic control operations in certain areas.

Areas scheduled for clearing and trimming will be marked with orange ribbons to enable North Shore residents to inspect the areas that will be brushed prior to the start of work operations. All trees and brush that are cut will be chipped and spread over ditch slopes or removed entirely from the area.