Spring weight restrictions on secondary highways in southern Saskatchewan began Friday as warming temperatures start the annual spring thaw.
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The Government of Saskatchewan announced the restrictions took effect at 12:01 a.m. March 20 in southwest parts of the province to help protect road infrastructure during the thaw.
“As the ground begins to thaw, this measure is introduced each year to protect key transportation infrastructure for the long term,” said Kim Gartner, Saskatchewan’s minister of highways.
Gartner said highways are critical for moving goods across the province and supporting Saskatchewan’s export-based economy.
The restrictions are expected to be phased in across the province as weather shifts from winter to spring conditions. They typically remain in place for up to six weeks.
During the spring thaw, moisture weakens the surface and the ground beneath roads, making them more susceptible to damage. As a result, allowable vehicle weights on rural municipal roads and secondary-weight provincial highways are reduced by 10 to 15 per cent.
Truckers and shippers are encouraged to regularly check updated restriction information online through the provincial government’s road restriction listings.
Technical and regulatory information is also available through the province’s Trucking Inquiry Line.
Rural municipalities are responsible for setting weight limits on their own roads.
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