Alaska 2024 DOT Weight Restrictions

At Carlile Transportation, we are committed to keeping you informed about the latest Alaska Department of Transportation (DOT) weight restrictions to ensure your shipments comply with state regulations. Below you’ll find the updated weight restrictions information, reflecting the most current guidelines issued by the Alaska DOT.

As these are subject to change please reference the AK DOT website for specifics and general updates: http://www.dot.state.ak.us/

Detailed Restriction Percentages

The DOT may impose the following percentage restrictions on the legal maximum allowable weights for dual-tired and single-tired axles:

Dual Tired Axle Weights:

100% Legal Maximum
85% Restricted
75% Restricted
50% Restricted

Single Tired Axle Weights:

Varied weights based on tread width, from 8” to 16”, with corresponding legal weights ranging from 9,600 to 19,200 pounds.

These percentages apply to different axle configurations and are crucial for determining how much your vehicle can carry during restricted periods.

Axle Weight Restrictions

The Alaska DOT imposes weight restrictions to prevent road damage and ensure safety. These restrictions vary by axle type and number, reflecting the maximum allowable weights under different conditions.

Dual Tired Axle Weights

The table below outlines the maximum allowable weights for vehicles with dual tired axles under various restriction percentages:

Legal 100% Maximum:
- 1 Axle: 20,000 lbs
- 2 Axles: 38,000 lbs
- 3 Axles: 42,000 lbs
- 4 Axles: 50,000 lbs
85% Restriction:
- 1 Axle: 17,000 lbs
- 2 Axles: 32,300 lbs
- 3 Axles: 35,700 lbs
- 4 Axles: 42,500 lbs
75% Restriction:
- 1 Axle: 15,000 lbs
- 2 Axles: 28,500 lbs
- 3 Axles: 31,500 lbs
- 4 Axles: 37,500 lbs
50% Restriction:
- 1 Axle: 10,000 lbs
- 2 Axles: 19,000 lbs
- 3 Axles: 21,000 lbs
- 4 Axles: 25,000 lbs

Note: Tire tread width must be 9.25” or larger, or legal weight is controlled by tire size. Reference 17 AAC 25.013 (a)(5) for additional allowable weight on certain 3-axle combinations.

Key Guidelines for Compliance:

Axle Spacing: The minimum spacing between axle groups must be 8’1”. Axles spaced closer are considered as one group for weight calculations.
Lift Axles: Lift axles in the drive group of the power unit are excluded when determining the legal maximum allowable weight.
Weight Calculation: The maximum allowable weight for axles is determined by the number of tires, multiplied by the tire tread width, and then by 600 pounds per inch of tire tread width. This calculation remains consistent across all restriction levels.

Single Tired Axle Weights

For vehicles with single tired axles, the allowable weights vary by the tire tread width as follows:

8” tread width: 9,600 lbs
9” tread width: 10,800 lbs
10” tread width: 12,000 lbs
11” tread width: 13,200 lbs
12” tread width: 14,400 lbs
13” tread width: 15,600 lbs
14” tread width: 16,800 lbs
15” tread width: 18,000 lbs
16” tread width: 19,200 lbs

These specifics are vital for ensuring that your vehicle configurations meet the legal requirements and avoid penalties or damages to the infrastructure.

Detailed Restriction Conditions

Emergency Restrictions: The DOT can enforce immediate restrictions in response to emergent road conditions to prevent serious damage.

Axle Spacing: The minimum spacing requirement between axle groups is specified as 8’1”. Axles spaced closer than this are treated as a single group for weight calculations.

Lift Axles: For the purpose of determining permissible weights, lift axles in the drive group of the power unit are excluded.

Weight Calculation: The permissible weight for any axle group is determined by a formula that considers the number of tires, tire tread width, and a factor of 600 pounds per inch of tire tread width.

Seasonal Weight Restrictions

The Alaska Department of Transportation periodically imposes weight restrictions on highways to prevent damage and ensure the safety of the traveling public. These restrictions are based on current road conditions and are subject to change.

Please be advised of the following seasonal Alaska DOT weight restrictions in effect as of Monday, March 30th, 2020.

Alaska Department of Transportation issued notice as follows:

PUBLIC NOTICE
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC FACILITIES
CENTRAL REGION
SEASONAL DOT WEIGHT RESTRICTIONS
Issue Date: March 25, 2020

Alaska Department of Transportation issued notice as follows:

PUBLIC NOTICE
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC FACILITIES
CENTRAL REGION
SEASONAL DOT WEIGHT RESTRICTIONS
Issue Date: March 25, 2020

DOT weight restrictions are stated as a percentage of legal allowable weight and shall be applied to the maximum axle loading of 17 AAC 25.013(e).

The Central Region boundaries extend from Homer on the Sterling Highway and Seward on the Seward Highway to Mile 118 on the Glenn Highway and Mile 163 on the Parks Highway.
The Dillingham and Bethel road systems are also included within the Central Region.

AREA-WIDE DOT WEIGHT RESTRICTIONS

Effective Monday, March 30 at 8:00 A.M. The following State maintained roads are restricted to the following:

All State maintained roads in the Anchorage, Eagle River, and Girdwood areas (south of the Eklutna Interchange and north of Portage Glacier Highway – 100% (No overloads)
All State maintained roads in the Kenai Peninsula area (south of Portage Glacier Highway) – 100% (No overloads)
All State maintained gravel roads in the Kenai Peninsula area (south of Portage Glacier Highway) – 75%
All State maintained roads in the Matanuska-Susitna area (south of Parks Hwy MP 163 / south of Glenn Hwy MP 118 and north of the Eklutna Interchange) – 100% (No overloads).

Additional restrictions and modifications will be imposed as necessary.

Authorized DOT weight restrictions will only be posted on the DOT&PF Division of Measurement and Standards and Commercial Vehicle Enforcement (MSCVE) webpage.
DOT Weight Restrictions posted on 511 or any other posting are for information only.
The most recent published public notice will supersede any conflicting information from other sources. Public Notices can be found at: http://www.dot.alaska.govclick on “Measures & Commercial Vehicles” then under the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement tab click on “Weight Restrictions” go to the middle of the page and click on “Central Region” then open the most recent Central Region listing.

The Department of Public Safety and the DOT/PF Division of Measurement and Standards and Commercial Vehicle Enforcement will be enforcing these restrictions.

Issued By: Greg Patz, Manager, Central Region Maintenance and Operations,

Exceptions and Conditions to weight limits

Certain exceptions apply to the weight restrictions, including provisions for vehicles en-route at the time restrictions are implemented, interstate sealed and charged produce vans, and intermodal portable tanks with specific volume requirements. Additionally, permits may be issued for vehicles or loads that exceed weight restriction limits for health and safety concerns.

Stay up-to-date with Alaska DOT weight restrictions

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on weight restrictions, visit the Alaska Department of Transportation’s Weight Restriction Information Bulletin. This document provides detailed guidelines and is updated regularly to reflect current conditions.

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For 40 Years, Carlile has been working hard at connecting Alaska to the world. Our Customer Service team is available to provide friendly, professional shipping logistics, expertise, and support. If you have questions or concerns about the DOT Weight Restrictions, please contact our customer services representatives.

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