Winter weight season began for a number of secondary highways in Saskatchewan on Friday, November 27 at 12:01 a.m.
“Winter weights allow trucks to carry more cargo in Saskatchewan, which is a benefit to the trucking industry and shippers,” Highways and Infrastructure Minister Joe Hargrave said.
When a roadbed is frozen, secondary weight highways have the same strength as primary weight highways, which support the heaviest legal loads on Saskatchewan roads. Winter weights are put in place annually from about mid-November to mid-March. Typically winter weights allow truckers to carry up to 15-20 per cent more payload on secondary highways.
When temperatures rise and roadbeds remain soft, the ministry may remove winter weights in some areas. Restrictions on winter weights can be in effect until mid-March, weather permitting. 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/highwayhotline, follow them on Twitter @SkGovHwyHotline and look for #skweights or call the Hotline at 511.
For technical and regulatory information, commercial carriers can contact the Inquiry Line weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 1-866-933-5290 in Saskatchewan or 306-933-5290 outside the province.
If you have questions or concerns regarding signage, work zones, winter levels of service and more, reach out to the Highway Customer Service Centre. You can call 1-844-SK-HIWAY, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. or go online to www.saskatchewan.ca/skhiwayanytime.
