Spring road bans have been put into effect as of yesterday, just two days after the Ministry of Highways removed winter weights on provincial roadways.

The notice outlines vehicles other than those exempted in Part II, section 3 (2) and 3 (5) of The Vehicle Weight and Dimensions Regulations, 2010, are to abide by the following restrictions:

Steering Axle
• 10.0 kg per mm (560 pounds per inch) width of tire (manufacturer’s stamped dimension) to a maximum of 5500 kg on the steering axle for a truck tractor equipped with a single steering axle. 11,000 kg on the steering axle group for a truck or truck tractor equipped with a tandem axle steering group.
Other Axles
• 6.25 kg per mm (350 pounds per inch) width of tire (manufacturer’s stamped dimension) to a maximum of:
◦ 1650 kg (3638 pounds) per tire, or
◦ 2630 kg per tire for axles equipped with single tires with a width of 445mm or greater.

The restrictions however, do not apply to the following vehicles:
• Emergency vehicles
• Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure vehicles and municipal maintenance equipment when conducting maintenance or accessing sites on or along the restricted highway
• SaskPower, SaskEnergy and SaskTel vehicles when accessing sites along the restricted route
• Recreational vehicles
• Buses
• Farm equipment, operated or towed
• Vehicles directly crossing a Provincial Highway at an intersecting public highway or private road

There are numerous Provincial Highways, access roads and municipalities subject to the spring road restrictions, to view the full list, click here.

Additionally, RM’s are able to issue over weight permits, or set weight restrictions lower than indicated by the provincial government and drivers should make themselves aware of all possible road bans in their area.

The Ministry previously stated in an interview that the spring road restrictions are likely to last up to six weeks but will depend on the weather conditions.