Rushmore State News

The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) has announced that highway maintaining authorities may impose load restrictions on roads between February 15 and April 30. This measure, authorized under SDCL 32-22-24, is intended to protect highways from damage during the spring thaw.

Craig Smith, Director of Operations, stated, "To prevent roadway damage and preserve our critical infrastructure, it can become necessary to temporarily restrict loads this time of the year."

The SDDOT monitors temperatures across the state and calculates freeze and thaw indexes to determine when these restrictions are necessary. They also rely on observed road conditions and input from field personnel to decide when to impose or lift restrictions.

A map of proposed spring load restrictions and a list of county roads affected will be available on the South Dakota Truck Info website and the SDDOT’s 511 website. Notices about effective restrictions will be sent via press releases and posted online.

Motorists are reminded that county road load limits are not managed by the state. For specific inquiries regarding county roads, contact information for county superintendents is provided on the South Dakota Truck Info website. Additional information can be obtained by contacting Dan Varilek, Winter Maintenance Specialist.