Released on November 29, 2012
Key Date For Truckers
Saskatchewan's winter weights take effect Saturday, December 1 for all applicable provincial highways.
"As a land-locked, export-based economy, trucking plays a major role in getting Saskatchewan made goods to market," Highways and Infrastructure Minister Don McMorris said. "Winter weight season allows shippers to haul heavier loads during colder winter months, resulting in fewer trips and cost savings for the industry and strong economic activity for the province of Saskatchewan."
When the roadbed freezes, both primary and secondary weight highways have the same strength. Shippers using secondary weight highways benefit the most from winter weights because it allows for more efficient movement of goods from secondary to primary weight highways.
The winter weight season can start as early as November 16 and remains in effect until March 14, but may be restricted through a minister's order because of weather and roadbed conditions. In the past, the ministry has removed winter weights in some areas of Saskatchewan if temperatures rise and roadbeds become soft. Winter weights are typically removed on March 15, depending on the weather, however shippers are asked to check the status regularly.
Truckers can find the latest road restriction orders and related information online at www.highways.gov.sk.ca/restrictions/ or by calling the Highway Hotline as follows: Regina and area at 306-787-7623; Saskatoon and area at 306-933-8333; across Canada at 1-888-335-7623; and on the SaskTel Cellular Network at *ROAD.
For technical and regulatory information during the winter weight season, commercial carriers within Saskatchewan can also phone the Transport Compliance Branch 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:
Steve Shaheen
Highways and Infrastructure
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4867