Spring road bans take effect in southwest Saskatchewan

Spring weight restrictions took effect at 12:01 a.m. Friday on secondary highways in southwest Saskatchewan as warmer temperatures begin to soften roadbeds.

The Saskatchewan government said the annual restrictions are meant to protect roads and the ground beneath them during spring thaw, when moisture weakens the surface and base.

“As the ground begins to thaw, this measure is introduced each year to protect key transportation infrastructure for the long term,” Highways Minister Kim Gartner said in a news release. “Highways play a pivotal role moving goods to support the province’s export-based economy, which helps sustain Saskatchewan’s quality of life.”

The province said the restrictions will be phased in across Saskatchewan as winter conditions give way to spring. They are expected to remain in place for up to six weeks.

The measures reduce allowable vehicle weights on rural municipal roads and secondary-weight provincial highways by 10 to 15 per cent.

Truckers and shippers are being urged to check regularly for updated information on which highways are affected. The latest order is posted on the province’s website under the Spring Road Bans heading.

Technical and regulatory information is also available through the Trucking Inquiry Line at 1-866-933-5290 or, from outside Saskatchewan, 306-933-5290.

The province noted rural municipalities are responsible for their own roads and set their own weight limits.