Winter Weight Season Arrives in Saskatchewan's North

Released on December 10, 2021

Effective Monday, December 13, winter weights will be permitted on all applicable highways in northern Saskatchewan. Crews will continue to monitor to determine when winter weights will be applied to the southern region. Typically winter weights allow truckers to carry up to 15-20 per cent more payload on secondary highways, than what can be carried during the warmer summer months.

Winter weights are an ongoing ministry initiative that maximizes the amount of goods that can be transported by truck in Saskatchewan," Highways Minister Fred Bradshaw said. "Since our economy is export-based, trucking is one of the key methods to get important goods to market to keep our provincial economy competitive."

Shippers using secondary weight highways benefit because it can result in fewer trips and cost savings for truckers. It allows efficient movement from secondary to primary weight highways.

When a roadbed is frozen, secondary weight highways contain the same strength as primary weight highways, which supports the heaviest legal loads on Saskatchewan roads. Shippers using secondary weight highways benefit the most because this allows efficient movement from secondary to primary weight highways. 

Depending on the weather and the condition of the roadbeds, winter weight season can start as early as November 16. When the weather remains mild and the weather forecast is not calling for sub-zero temperatures, like this year, winter weights may be postponed. They typically are removed on March 15.

Municipal roads are the responsibility of each rural municipality, who set out their own weight limits.

Commercial truckers and shippers are encouraged to check the status regularly at www.saskatchewan.ca/truckingweights. 

To find the latest road restriction orders online, visit www.saskatchewan.ca, follow us on Twitter @SkGovHwyHotline and look for #skweights or call the Hotline at 511.

Technical and regulatory information is also available through the Ministry of Highways Trucking Inquiry Line at 1-866-933-5290 or outside of Saskatchewan at 306-933-5290. The line operates weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. except statutory holidays.

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