Weight restrictions on some of Saskatchewan’s highways will begin taking effect March 1, according to the Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure.

“The province’s Plan for Growth will require reliable roads and infrastructure for the safe and efficient movement of goods and people, so it’s imperative we protect and preserve our network,” Highways and Infrastructure Minister Don McMorris said.  “Truckers and shippers are advised to monitor their loads and watch for restrictions during what is a very sensitive period for some of our highways as the roadbed thaws.”

Since December, winter weights which allows trucks to carry heavier loads, have been placed on some Saskatchewan highways. These will start being removed at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, March 1 with the first winter weight restrictions to be published online at www.highways.gov.sk.ca/restrictions 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restriction orders will be provided every Tuesday and Friday by 12:30 p.m. until March 15 when winter weights are no longer in effect.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.

Meanwhile, truckers also need to 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.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.

In addition, technical and regulatory information is available from Transport Compliance at 1-866-933-5290, which operates weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except stat holidays.