Effective spring 2006, the North Dakota Department of Transportation is instituting a new spring load restriction system based on ton/axle posting. This system provides for greater uniformity with adjacent states and allows for better communication of the load restriction process to the trucking industry. The load posting changes are as follows:

· Converts the current "Class A", "#1", and "#2" postings to 8-ton, 7-ton, and 6-ton postings and adds a 5-ton posting.

· The gross vehicle weight (GVW) for the 6-ton and 7-ton postings have been increased from the levels formerly allowed on the #1 and #2 postings. 

The following chart compares the old load restrictions to those allowed under the new concept.

Former/New Road Restriction in Weights (the new system is indicated in BOLDFACE)

Class	Single Axle	Tandem Axle	3 or more Axle Groupings	Gross Vehicle Weight
Restricted by Legal Weights (REMAIN AS IS)	20,000 lbs.	34,000 lbs.	48,000 lbs.	105,500 lbs.
Class A  8-TON	18,000 lbs. 16,000 lbs	32,000 lbs. 32,000 lbs	42,000 lbs. (14,000 lbs./axle) 42,000 lbs.	105,500 lbs. 105,500 lbs.
# 1 7-TON	15,000 lbs. 14,000 LBS.	30,000 lbs. 28,000 lbs.	36,000 lbs. (12,000 lbs./axle) 36,000 lbs.	80,000 lbs. 105,500 lbs.
# 2 6-TON	12,000 lbs. 12,000 LBS.	24,000 lbs. 24,000 lbs.	30,000 lbs. (10,000 lbs./axle) 30,000 lbs.	65,000 lbs.   80,000 lbs.
5-TON	10,000 LBS.	20,000 lbs.	30,000 lbs.	80,000 lbs.

Note the change in GVW for the former #1 & #2 postings.  The increase allows heavier loads on the roadways and puts greater emphasis on axle weights.

Current load restriction information is available in the North Dakota 511 Travel Information pages on the NDDOT web site at www.state.nd.us/dot/road.html, and also by dialing 511.

Verna Kadrmas
701-328-2545