Due to colder weather, the winter weight period has been extended for central and northern regions of Saskatchewan. The extension will benefit farmers in those regions looking to transport their products to port.
Meanwhile, in the southern region of the province – farmers, truckers and shippers are advised to monitor their loads as the winter weight season ended as of 12:01 a.m. on March 15. The winter weight period allows additional weight on secondary highways and runs from November 16 through March 14.
“Seasonally adjusting weight limits on provincial highways allows agricultural producers and industry to take advantage of the cost savings and efficiencies that come from hauling higher weights in the winter when roads are frozen,” Highways and Infrastructure Minister David Marit said. “At the same time, it allows us to protect roads from truck damage when they are soft in the spring.”
When roadbeds are frozen during the winter, truckers can carry heavier loads, with weights reverting back to normal limits throughout the rest of the year. However, during the most fragile spring thaw period, truckers must adhere to six-week spring road bans where loads must be reduced a further 10-15 per cent from normal weights on some roadways. Spring road restrictions are dependent on weather and these road restrictions usually begin in early March in the southwest of the province, working their way in a northeasterly fashion.
The annual weight increase on nine-month primary highways is being adjusted in southern Saskatchewan. Only secondary weights are permitted on these highways from March 16 to June 14, 2018. Northern Saskatchewan remains unchanged from April 1 to June 30, 2018. Primary weights will be allowed during the rest of the year (nine months).
For more detailed information regarding Increased Weights and Road Restrictions, please visit www.saskatchewan.ca/truckingweights.
Additionally, an interactive map detailing where road bans are in place or have been lifted is available on the Highway Hotline under the heading “weight restrictions”, which can be accessed through www.saskatchewan.ca/highwayhotline. The interactive map also provides information on special year-round weight restrictions across the province.
Municipal Weight Limits
Weights allowed on public highways are separate from the registered gross weight of a vehicle. A heavy vehicle is usually registered to a specific weight determined by its business and the maximum weight it will generally carry. Weight limits on municipal highways are the same as those for secondary highways, including the winter season; except eight-axle B-trains and unless otherwise allowed by the local municipality or regulation.
Highways and Infrastructure Released on March 15, 2018
