Spring Weight Restrictions Around the Corner

TRANSPORTATION/PUBLIC WORKS--Spring Weight Restrictions Around the Corner

Now that March is here and spring is around the corner, it's time to plan for spring weight restrictions on the roads.

Each year, the Department of Transportation and Public Works places restrictions on heavy trucks during spring thaw to help protect roads that are weakened by mild and wet weather.

"The department is monitoring the roads daily to determine when spring weight restrictions will begin," said Transportation and Public Works Minister Ron Russell. "The trucking industry will be given as much advance notice as possible."

The exact date for spring weight restrictions depends on weather conditions. If the province has an extended period of mild temperatures and rainy weather, spring weight restrictions may be imposed at any time. Last year, the restrictions came into effect on March 17. In 2002, it was about two weeks earlier, on March 4.

Advertisements, with a complete list of roads that are exempt from spring weight restrictions, will be published in major newspapers across the province.