Shippers Continue to Benefit from Winter Weights in Most Areas

Released on February 27, 2015

Shippers can continue to haul heavier loads on secondary roads due to recent frigid temperatures. Winter weights remain in effect throughout the province, with the exception of some specific roads in the southwest.
  
“Roadbeds remain frozen in most of the province meaning trucks can continue to haul primary weight and realize the savings that come with fewer trips,” Highways and Infrastructure Minister Nancy Heppner said.  “Field staff will monitor road conditions to ensure shippers can maximize the amount of goods they can move as long as possible without risking damage to the roads.”

Winter weights will be removed from specific highways at 12:01 a.m. March 1 in the southwest and will gradually be removed from the rest of the province as temperatures rise. Shippers should also be aware of spring road bans during the six-week thaw period, when roads are most vulnerable to damage.

Weight restriction orders around winter weights are published online at www.highways.gov.sk.ca/restrictions/ under the "New Winter Order" link.  Regularly scheduled updates of the winter restriction orders will be provided every Tuesday and Friday by 12:30 p.m. until March 15 when winter weights are removed from the entire province according to legislation.

Truckers can also find restriction orders on the Highway Hotline at http://hotline.gov.sk.ca/restrictions/ or by calling 1-888-335-7623.  Technical and regulatory information is also available from Commercial Vehicle Enforcement at 1-866-933-5290, weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except statutory holidays.

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For more information, contact:

Mark Rathwell
Highways and Infrastructure
Regina
Phone: 306-787-8484
Email: mark.rathwell@gov.sk.ca