Released on February 19, 2016
The Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure is removing winter weight allowances on secondary weight highways in southwest Saskatchewan. Changes come into effect February 22.“While frozen roads provide a surface that allows shippers to carry heavier loads, soft roads need to be protected from unnecessary damage,” Highways and Infrastructure Minister Nancy Heppner said. “Our staff monitors roadbed temperatures closely to ensure heavier winter weights are left on as long as possible.”
The removal of winter weights will start in the south and move north in the coming weeks. By legislation, winter weights are removed in southwest Saskatchewan on the last day of February and in the rest of the province on March 15. However, winter weights can be removed sooner by Minister’s order if road conditions warrant.
The end of winter weights season will be followed by the implementation of spring road bans starting in the southwest part of the province and then moving north. Once in place, spring road bans may remain in effect for up to six weeks, allowing time for roads to dry.
Weight restriction orders are published online at www.highways.gov.sk.ca/restrictions/ under the link for the new order.
You can also call the Highway Hotline at 306-787-7623 (Regina and area), 306-933-8333 (Saskatoon and area), 1-888-335-7623 (across Canada) and *ROAD (SaskTel cellular customers). Road restriction orders and other related information is also available.
In addition, technical and regulatory information is available by calling the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Inquiry Line at 1-866-933-5290 inside Saskatchewan and 1-306-933-5290 outside Saskatchewan. The line operates Monday to Friday, except statuary holidays, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
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For more information, contact:
Sonja Orban
Highways and Infrastructure
Regina
Phone: 306-787-8484
Email: sonja.orban@gov.sk.ca