Salt Haul Rolls Across Nova Scotia

The provincial salt haul is back in full gear across Nova Scotia today after independent Cape Breton truckers agreed to haul.

Over the next two days, Cape Breton and Victoria County truckers are to haul more than 1,000 tonnes of road salt to Department of Transportation and Public Works bases.

"Making sure we have salt to spread is a matter of public safety," said Ron Russell, Minister of Transportation and Public Works. "It's good news the rest of Cape Breton is back onside with truckers across the province. They are all playing their part in ensuring roads are safe."

A week after blocking salt trucks from entering the department's Sydney River base, Cape Breton County truckers accepted an offer to be dispatched through the Nova Scotia Roadbuilders Association.

After a series of telephone calls with the RCMP, road builders association and senior department staff on Wednesday, Feb. 23, Cape Breton County independents agreed to haul 16 loads today and a similar amount Friday, Feb. 25.

There are 55 Department of Transportation and Public Works salt sheds across Nova Scotia. Deliveries have proceeded with the help of roadbuilders, department and independent haulers since the Truckers Association of Nova Scotia withdrew service on Tuesday, Feb. 8. The truckers association had demanded the government pay a surcharge to offset rising diesel fuel prices.

Salt inventories are being replenished daily, with stockpiles at about 44,000 tonnes, or 60 per cent of storage capacity.

The truckers association turned down an eight per cent increase on the department's published rates on Friday, Feb. 11. Since then, the roadbuilders association has been dispatching trucks at standard department rates, without the increase. Fees are based on the tonnage and distance salt is hauled.