Truckers and shippers are being advised by the Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure to check its website frequently for upcoming weight restrictions, which began taking effect March 1, 2012.

“Trucks need to be operating at the correct legal weight for this time of year, in order to protect and preserve our highways,” Highways and Infrastructure Minister Jim Reiter said. “Operators are advised to monitor their loads and watch for restrictions during this sensitive time period.”

Winter weights, which have been placed on some Saskatchewan highways, will start being removed at 12:01 a.m. on Thursday, March 1. The first winter weight restrictions, for this start date, will be published online Friday, February 24 under the “New Winter Order” link at www.highways.gov.sk.ca/restrictions/.

The winter restriction orders will be updated until March 15 every Tuesday and Friday by 12:30 p.m., at which time winter weights are no longer in effect for the entire province.

Typically, winter weights run from mid November through mid March. The freeze period during winter strengthens the road and supports heavier truck loads.

Spring Road Bans

Truckers also need to be aware of upcoming spring road bans. During this thaw period, truckers must adhere to weight limits on secondary roads during the six week spring road ban period.

Truckers looking for all the latest road restriction orders and related information can again find them online at www.highways.gov.sk.ca/restrictions/ or by calling the Highway Hotline as follows: Regina and area at 306-787-7623; Saskatoon and area at 306-933-8333; across Canada at 1-888-335-7623; and on the SaskTel Cellular Network at *ROAD.

In addition, technical and regulatory information is available from the Transport Compliance Branch Inquiry Line at 1-866-933-5290. The line operates weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except statuary holidays.