Released on February 23, 2011
Truckers and Shippers Reminded to Check Website
All truckers and shippers are reminded to start double checking how much weight they can legally haul before heading out, as the season for weight restrictions begins on Tuesday, March 1 for specific Saskatchewan roads and highways.
"Our export-based economy depends largely on trucks getting goods to worldwide markets, but the province also needs to take these regular and annual weight restriction measures to protect roads as they begin to thaw," Highways and Infrastructure Minister Jim Reiter said. "If you drive a truck, please make sure you're operating at the correct legal weight for the time of year and for the highway or road you're using."
Winter weight restrictions for some Saskatchewan highways will begin at 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday, March 1 and last until March 14. Effective March 15 at 12:01 a.m., any existing winter weights are removed for the entire province and allowable weights revert back to normal summer weights. Winter weights typically run from about November to March because the material underneath the surface of a road or road bed freezes over the winter and is stronger, which means it can withstand heavier truck loads without being damaged and shippers can carry more weight. Following this reversion to normal summer weights, spring road bans (also known as restrictions) typically go into effect and usually last for about six weeks.
To check which highways are impacted by weight restrictions, please visit www.highways.gov.sk.ca/restrictions/. There, the first winter weight restrictions will be posted Friday, February 25 under the "New Winter Order" link in advance of it going into effect on March 1. These winter restriction orders will be updated every Tuesday and Friday by 12:30 p.m., except statutory holidays, until March 15. After that, spring road bans will be posted as necessary under the "New Spring Order" link. This webpage also links to an interactive map showing winter weight restrictions and spring road bans, which can also be found at http://roadinfo.telenium.ca/sk/map_spring/index.html.
For technical and regulatory information about weight restriction or other general trucking questions, commercial carriers within Saskatchewan can also telephone the Transport Compliance Branch (TCB) Inquiry Line at 1-866-933-5290. Truckers outside of Saskatchewan can call the same line at 306-933-5290. The line operates weekdays, except statuary holidays, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
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For more information, contact:
Dan Palmer
Highways and Infrastructure
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4805