WINNIPEG — Spring road bans are starting to be put into place across Western Canada as temperatures warm up in the Prairie provinces.
The annual restrictions set axle weight limits for vehicles moving on certain roads in an effort to reduce the damage heavier loads can cause during the spring thaw period. Grain and equipment movement can both be affected by the spring road bans because people may need to find alternate routes or haul smaller loads. The duration of the restrictions will depend on the local weather conditions, but typically last through April and into May.
In Alberta, spring road bans ranging from 75 to 90 percent of normal axle weights were put into place Feb. 23 for numerous roads. Full details of the affected roads are available from the Alberta Ministry of Transportation.
In Saskatchewan, weight restrictions were implemented in the southwestern part of the province as of March 1, and the zone will expand in the upcoming weeks. The Saskatchewan Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure provides updates on a weekly basis of the affected roadways.
In Manitoba, spring road bans are set to come into effect on March 11 and will remain in place until May 31. The restrictions vary depending on the road, with Level 1 restrictions consisting of 90 percent of normal loading and 65 percent of normal on Level 2 affected roads. Full details are available through Manitoba’s infrastructure and transportation department.
