State imposes spring weight limits on Northern Region roads April 22

The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities will impose seasonal weight restrictions on most Northern Region roads starting April 22 at 8 a.m. to protect pavement during spring thaw.

The restrictions apply to all vehicles over 10,000 pounds and vary by road condition. Most highways will be limited to 85 percent of legal axle weight, while some rural roads face 50 percent limits. The Elliott Highway from Fairbanks to Livengood and the entire Dalton Highway will have no restrictions.

The Northern Region covers roads from Mile 163 of the Parks Highway north and Mile 118 of the Glenn Highway northeast, plus the Richardson Highway from Valdez to Fairbanks. The region also includes road systems in Cordova and Nome.

Major routes like the Parks Highway from Cantwell to Fairbanks and roads in the Fairbanks North Star Borough will allow 100 percent of legal axle weight. The Richardson Highway from Valdez to Delta Junction, Glenn Highway to Glennallen, and Alaska Highway from the Canadian border to Delta will be restricted to 85 percent.

Roads around Healy, the Taylor Highway, Edgerton Highway, and dozens of Fairbanks-area roads including Chena Hot Springs Road and Goldstream Road will be limited to 75 percent. The heaviest restrictions at 50 percent apply to roads including the Elliott Highway from Livengood to Manley, Nabesna Road, and many Delta-area routes.

The department will adjust restrictions as weather and pavement conditions change. Commercial Vehicle Enforcement will monitor compliance.

For the complete list of restricted roads and current conditions, visit dot.state.ak.us/mscve/main.cfm. Contact Daniel Adamczak, Northern Region Maintenance and Operations Engineer, at 907-451-2294 or [email protected].