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Increased Weights and Road Restrictions

Nov 18, 2017 | 12:06 AM

Road Restrictions & Increased Weights

When transporting goods and/or services in Saskatchewan, the maximum gross vehicle weight is dependent on highway classification.

Commercial truck limits and weight restrictions are in place on provincial highways at various times of the year. It is done to prevent damage to the surface or road bed. There are also opportunities to haul additional weight depending on weather and other factors.

Check the current restrictions on the Highway Hotline.

Winter Weight Allowances

Colder temperatures during the winter months help freeze and strengthen roads. As a result more weight can be transported on provincial highways without damaging the road. This is a benefit to the trucking community. 

The winter weight period that allows additional weight typically runs from November 16 through March 14. However, if weather remains mild the program may be postponed because without sufficient freezing, extra weight can damage pavement and the road beneath.

Winter Weights will not apply in the southwest area of the province until December 1 and will be removed on the last day of February due to historically milder climatic conditions.

Municipal roads are the responsibility of each rural municipality, who can set out their own weight limits. Weights can be restricted at any time by Minister’s order.

The New Winter Weight Order is the latest publication and indicates any changes to the previous order. This order will come into effect on the following Thursday midnight or the following Sunday midnight, depending on the day of publication. You should view both orders as this will provide a one week window on restrictions. The PREVIOUS ORDER lists restrictions that are in effect but may be subject to change. This order contains a complete list of all restricted highways up to the effective date of the new order (view map).

Spring Road Bans

Spring road restrictions are dependent on weather. Typically, these road restrictions start in the first week of March in the southwest of the province, and the remainder over a two -three week period. 

Official spring restriction orders are issued every Tuesday and Friday (with the exception of Good Friday) by 12:30 p.m. (CST) during the ban period. Typically restrictions start in the first week of March, generally in the southwest of the province, and the remainder follow over a two or three week period.

When restrictions are implemented, they may be in place for up to six weeks. Restrictions may change with 48-hours-notice. If a prolonged weather cold period occurs, the weight restriction may be removed until weather conditions warrant it.

The new order is the latest publication and would indicate any changes to the previous order. This order will come into effect on the following Thursday midnight or the following Sunday midnight, depending on the day of publication. You should view both orders as this will provide a one week window on restrictions.

Nine Month Primary Weights

Saskatchewan has a number of nine month primary highways. This is when the allowable weight increases during the months of July to March.

The maximum weight returns to secondary weights for the months of April, May and June of each year. The weight classification map determines which highways are  allowed primary weights for nine months of the year.
 

Increase to 63,500 KG

The maximum allowable weight at which a B-train truck tractor and semi-trailer combination can operate on the provincial highway system (weight and classification map).
 

Municipal Weight Limits

Weights allowed on public highways are separate from the registered gross weight of a vehicle. A heavy vehicle is usually registered to a specific weight determined by its business and the maximum weight it will generally carry. Weight limits on municipal highways are the same as those for secondary highways, including the winter season; except eight-axle B-trains and unless otherwise allowed by the local municipality or regulation.