Just over two weeks after the government delayed implementing winter weights, they have now been put into effect for provincial highways in the west central region. As of 12:01 a.m., Monday, December 3, secondary highways will be allowed to carry primary highway weights, with the exception of the southernmost areas of Saskatchewan, which will have to wait a little bit longer for the roads to fully freeze.

The map below from the Highway Hotline, shows in pink, the roadways that are subject to the new implementation of winter weights, the black roadways indicate those that are not yet frozen enough to sustain heavier weights by truckers.

Steve Shaheen, senior communications consultant, stated that the highways in southern Saskatchewan will likely see the higher weights put into effect by mid-December, weather permitting.

Winter weights are generally put into effect mid-November and last through until mid-March, with an array of weather conditions in our region, the ground is just now frozen enough to sustain the heavier loads. Shaheen added that it is now smooth sailing for truckers until early in the new year when the government will likely start to monitor the roadways as early as February.

Those wishing to monitor the weight changes in the southern region of the province can visit the government of Saskatchewan website here.