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Winter load increases end and spring load restrictions (SLR) start in north-central and north seasonal load limit zones.

More info here: Lake County Seasonal Load Restriction Maps

The Lake County Highway Department and Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) will post reduced legal weight limits over the Garden Lake Bridge on Fernberg Road (CSAH 18), beginning no later than March 1, 2021. The maximum vehicle weight will be set at 32 tons for truck/trailer combinations and 20 tons for single unit trucks.

The decision is a result of an updated load rating analysis, which is completed regularly to address changes in standards and regulations across the state’s roadway network. The reduced legal weight posting is necessary for the bridge to remain in service for the remainder of its planned life span. The bridge remains safe for use. Questions can be directed to the Lake County Highway Department at (218) 834-8380. 

The Lake County ADA Transition Plan draft is available for public review and comment through March 2, 2021.  The draft plan can be viewed online at www.co.lake.mn.us/highway/construction-projects/  Hard copies are also available for review at the Lake County Highway Department, Court House, or Health and Human Services Center. 

The Lake County ADA Transition Plan includes an evaluation of the county’s pedestrian infrastructure located in the public roadway right-of-way.  Infrastructure was evaluated for compliance with the guidelines of the Public Rights of Way Accessibility Guidelines (PROWAG), as adopted by MnDOT.  The plan also includes schedule goals and the framework for how non-compliant facilities will be corrected to PROWAG standards. 

Alternate accommodations to review and comment on the draft plan will be made available upon request.  Request for accommodation can be made to Darbie Eschenbacher by calling 218-510-0649 or by email at Darbie.Eschenbacher@co.lake.mn.us

Comments on the plan can be emailed to the Lake County Highway Engineer Jason.DiPiazza@co.lake.mn.us, or mailed/delivered to the Lake County Highway Department at the address above.  Comments will be reviewed by the Highway Engineer and included in the final plan.  The final plan is scheduled to be reviewed by the County Board in March, 2021 for consideration and adoption.

Do not deposit snow on public roads! This includes pushing snow across county roads!

According to the Lake County Highway Department, depositing snow in any fashion onto a County Road is illegal and punishable as a misdemeanor under Minnesota Statute 160.27 and various local ordinances which prohibit plowing, shoveling, blowing or placing snow onto public roadways.  Any violation will be forwarded to the Sheriff’s Department in the interest of public safety.

Lake County Highway Department also cautions that the act of placing snow onto a public roadway can subject a person to a civil liability if a road hazard, such as a slippery area, frozen rut or bump, occurs and causes a traffic accident.  This civil liability can extend to both the property owner and the person who actually placed the snow onto the roadway.  You also may be liable for damage to County snowplow equipment.

Lake County Highway Department asks all citizens to obey these rules which are designed to keep Minnesota’s 131,100 miles of streets, roads and highways safe during winter months.  Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

Jason DiPiazza
Lake County Highway Engineer