MDOT: Oversized, overweight loads restricted during holiday travel

The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) is reminding you that oversized and overweight vehicle travel on all state and federal highways will be prohibited during New Year’s travel.

The restrictions will begin at noon today and run through Wednesday. Similar restrictions were also put in place during the Christmas holiday travel period. The New Year’s closures do not apply to loads that have 24-hour movement permits.

MDOT Executive Director Melinda McGrath says that the restrictions are in place to protect the motoring public. 

“Our top priority is the safety of all motorists traveling Mississippi highways during the upcoming holidays,” McGrath said. “With increased traffic volume on Mississippi’s highways, prohibiting oversized loads during the holidays is one more way MDOT is working to increase the safety of the traveling public.”

Using ExpressPass, MDOT’s oversized and overweight commercial vehicle permitting service, an individual or company can purchase and instantly receive permits to operate commercial vehicles in Mississippi that fall within certain size and weight limits online. For more information, including available ExpressPass routes and general travel restrictions, visit expresspass.ms.gov.

The MDOT Office of Enforcement’s primary responsibility is the regulation and safe operation of commercial motor vehicles on state and federal highways. Along with preserving Mississippi’s transportation infrastructure, these laws and regulations help further MDOT’s efforts to reduce crashes, injuries and fatalities.

MDOT also reminds the public to share the road safely with log trucks by leaving enough space between vehicles, especially at night.  View a brief video demonstrating the nighttime visibility of a log truck at 90 feet, 20 feet and 10 feet here: http://ow.ly/WkGw3062S6p. By following these safety guidelines, potential crashes can be prevented.

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