WINTER WEIGHTS POSTPONED IN SOUTHERN SASKATCHEWAN

The Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure is advising truckers that, to prevent damage to highway infrastructure, winter weights will not come into effect in a large portion of southern Saskatchewan on December 1.

All highways south of Highway 1 and west of Highway 39 will be restricted to normal summer weights until further notice. Winter weights will be allowed on Highways 1 and 39. Road conditions will be monitored and the feasibility of winter weights will be reviewed on an ongoing basis.

The delay to the start of the winter weight season is due to the combined effects of this year's flooding and warm weather this fall. Road structures have not yet frozen sufficiently to bear winter weights. The freezing that occurs during the winter effectively strengthens a road. Without sufficient freezing, the extra weights allowed during winter weight season can damage pavement and the road's structure.

Truckers can find the latest road restriction orders and related information 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. Truckers outside of Saskatchewan can call the same line at 306-933-5290. The line operates weekdays, except statuary holidays, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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For more information, contact:

Doug Wakabayashi
Highways and Infrastructure
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4804