In northern states, spring freeze and thaw conditions make many roads susceptible to damage from heavy trucks. To minimize this damage, some states, including Minnesota, impose spring weight restrictions to reduce truck loads. In 1986 legislation authorized the Minnesota Department of Transportation to establish a market artery system to eliminate spring weight restrictions on those state highways most important to economic and shipping activities. Criteria for population, retail and wholesale sales, and manufacturing employment were used to identify significant centers. Nearly 4,800 mi of state trunk highway market artery routes were identified to connect centers that represent at least two-thirds of the state's population and economic activities. These routes carry more than 80% of the state's five-axle truck travel. In addition, about 2,800 mi of commercial access routes were identified to connect other important commercial centers to the market artery system. The market artery and commercial access systems will be used to determine future road-strengthening priorities. Study results are also applicable to other activities, such as the designation of routes for the national truck network and highway system. In addition, Minnesota's market artery methodology may be useful to others in addressing trucking and shipping needs in their areas.
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