Released on February 27, 2014
Winter weight season ends on some Saskatchewan highways as of March 1.“Roads are less prone to damage from heavier loads when they are frozen in the winter, so we allow truckers and shippers to realize the cost savings that come with heavier legal weights,” Highways and Infrastructure Minister Don McMorris said. “As roads begin to thaw and are most prone to damage, however, our focus turns to protecting our investment in highways.”
Winter weights have been in effect since December. These will start being removed at 12:01 a.m. March 1. Weight restriction orders around winter weights are published online at www.saskatchewan.ca under the "New Winter Order" link. Regularly scheduled updates of the winter restriction orders will be provided every Tuesday and Friday by 12:30 p.m. until March 15 when winter weights are no longer in effect.
The freeze period during winter strengthens the road and supports heavier truck loads, providing shippers an opportunity to transport heavier loads during the colder winter months. Typically, these winter weights run from mid-November through mid-March.
Shippers should also be aware of upcoming spring road bans and follow weight limits on secondary roads during this most fragile six-week thaw period.
Truckers can see the latest road restriction orders and related information online at www.saskatchewan.ca or by calling the Highway Hotline across Canada at 1-888-335-7623. Technical and regulatory information is also available from Commercial Vehicle Enforcement at 1-866-933-5290, weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except stat holidays.
Please note that in previous years, orders have been posted at www.highways.gov.sk.ca/restrictions. While this address is still functional, users may wish to update any bookmarks.
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For more information, contact:
Doug Wakabayashi
Highways and Infrastructure
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4804
Email: doug.wakabayashi@gov.sk.ca