Spring Weight Restrictions Begin Jan. 23

Spring weight restrictions for heavy trucks will come into effect at 12:01 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 23, in all Nova Scotia counties.

"Although colder temperatures are forecast for early next week, there doesn't appear to be a long enough cold trend for frost to strengthen our roads," said Ron Russell, Minister of Transportation and Public Works.

Mr. Russell noted that mild conditions are forecast to return later next week.

Mild temperatures and a lack of frost in the ground mean provincial roads are more susceptible to damage from heavy trucks. The restrictions typically come into effect in March each year, depending on weather and road conditions, and are removed at the end of April or early May.

Transportation and Public Works staff will continue to monitor the roads, and if the weather turns colder to the point that the roads are frozen and no damage can occur, then spring weight restrictions will be removed.

A list of all roads exempt from the restrictions will be advertised in newspapers on Saturday, Jan. 21, and Saturday, Jan. 28, and on the Department of Transportation and Public Works website at www.gov.ns.ca/tran .