To protect the city’s infrastructure investment, it is necessary to regulate the weight of vehicles traveling the city streets. Regulation is especially necessary during the freeze/thaw cycles of early spring when streets are more susceptible to damage. View the weight restrictions map (PDF). 

Note: The city has obtained ownership of CR 47, now called Chankahda Trail. This roadway will now follow the city weight restriction of 5 tons per axle when seasonal weight restrictions are in effect.

Weight Restrictions (not during the spring freeze/thaw cycle)

All city streets have a weight restriction of 7 tons per axle, unless posted.

Seasonal Weight Restrictions (enforced during the spring freeze/thaw cycle)

The City of Plymouth follows the seasonal weight restriction dates determined by the MN Department of Transportation. The dates are posted each year on the Minnesota Department of Transportation website.

Seasonal weight restrictions in Plymouth are 5 tons per axles and apply to all city streets. Exempt vehicles include:

• School buses
• Garbage trucks
• Milk trucks

The city does not issue permits for standard or seasonal weight restrictions when a reasonable alternative to meeting restrictions exist (example:  reducing individual load weight per trip per truck, making multiple trips, or using two smaller trucks instead of one large truck). The city engineer may provide exception in very unique or emergency situations when there is no ability to work around the restrictions. 

Any damage caused to Plymouth city streets are subject to repair costs by the vehicle owner. The Plymouth Police Department has the authority to stop any vehicle that may appear to be over the weight limit.

The Plymouth Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)  includes recommendations from public works staff for various street projects. The CIP is updated annually. Street projects include crack sealing, mill and overlay, and reconstruction.  A brief description of each project is below. Read more information and view a list of city projects on the Project Spotlight/Street Projects page.

Crack Sealing

After a new street is constructed or an older street is reconstructed, it is typical to see cracks in the new asphalt within the first few years. Cracking is caused by extreme temperatures and seasonal conditions such as snow, ice, rain, and dry air. Every two to three years the cracks are sawed, cleaned out and sealed. This process usually is completed in one day, and the street is generally kept open to minimize disruption to traffic.

Mill & Overlay

A mill and overlay is proposed when existing streets show cracking, rutting and flaking, but the material underneath the asphalt is adequate. A typical mill and overlay includes removing and replacing the top 2” of asphalt, minor utility work, and concrete curb and gutter replacement where necessary. This process helps to extend the life cycle of the original pavement and takes a few weeks to a month to complete. Disruption to traffic can occur during mill and overlay projects while the work is being performed, but traffic is maintained at all times. These projects are generally assessed to the adjacent property owners.

Street Reconstruction

A reconstruction project is proposed when the streets have significant cracks and potholes, and the underlying material is in need of replacement. These projects can take the entire summer to complete and significant disruption can be expected throughout the project. Road closures, detours and delays should be expected.