Northern Region roads return to summertime permitting Wednesday

Truckers and contractors hauling heavy loads across Interior Alaska can start applying again for overweight approvals at 8 a.m. Wednesday, when the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities returns roads in its Northern Region to summertime permitting.

"All roads in the Northern Region will return to summertime permitting," Daniel Adamczak, the region's maintenance and operations engineer, wrote in a public notice issued Monday. Summertime permitting does not automatically restore full loads. Haulers who need to exceed standard limits must still apply for overweight approval through the department's Measurement Standards and Commercial Vehicle Enforcement group at 907-365-1200.

Where the Restrictions Applied

The Northern Region runs from Mile 163 of the Parks Highway north, from Mile 118 of the Glenn Highway to the northeast, and the full length of the Richardson Highway from Valdez to Fairbanks. The road systems in Cordova and Nome are also included.

Some segments were never restricted. The notice says that until further notice, no seasonal vehicle weight restrictions apply to the Elliott Highway from Mile 0 to Mile 72 or the Dalton Highway from Mile 0 to Mile 414.

Why the Limits Were in Place

The restrictions capped axle loads for vehicles over 10,000 pounds during spring thaw, when melting ground softens roadbeds. The department imposed a four-tier system in the region on May 21, ranging from 100% down to 50% of legal axle load, and has lifted segments in stages since.

Adamczak's notice says weather and pavement conditions are being monitored closely and that new restrictions may be imposed as needed.