WINNIPEG — Spring road bans are starting to be put into place across Western Canada as temperatures warm up.
The annual restrictions set axle weight limits for vehicles moving on certain roads in an effort to reduce the damage that heavier loads can cause during the spring thaw period.
Grain and equipment movement can both be affected by the spring road bans because producers may need to find alternate routes or haul smaller loads.
The duration of the restrictions will depend on local weather conditions but typically last from April to May.
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- Alberta: Spring road bans of 75 to 90 percent of normal axle weights were put in place Feb. 11 for many roads. It was two weeks earlier than the previous year. Full details of affected roads are available from the province’s transportation min-istry.
- Saskatchewan: Weight restrictions were implemented in many parts of the province Feb. 22, and the zone will ex-pand in the coming weeks. The province’s highways and infrastructure ministry provides weekly updates on affected roads.
- Manitoba: Spring road bans are set to come into effect March 11 and remain in place until May 31.
The restrictions vary de-pending on the road, level 1 roads restricted to 90 percent of normal loading and level 2 roads restricted to 65 percent of normal loading.
Full details are available through the province’s infrastructure and transportation department.
