Spring weight restrictions on some Sask. highways go into effect this week

A pothole in Saskatoon is pictured March 23, 2021. (Dale Cooper/CTV Saskatoon)

Starting Friday, March 20, spring weight restrictions will begin on secondary highways in southern Saskatchewan as warming temperatures begin to thaw the ground.

The provincial government says the annual measures are designed to protect key transportation routes during the spring melt, when road surfaces become more vulnerable to damage.

“As the ground begins to thaw, this measure is introduced each year to protect key transportation infrastructure for the long term,” Highways Minister Kim Gartner said in a statement.

“Highways play a pivotal role moving goods to support the province’s export-based economy, which helps sustain Saskatchewan’s quality of life.”

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The 2026 restrictions come into force at 12:01 a.m. Friday in southwest Saskatchewan and will be phased in across other parts of the province as conditions change.

Officials say the measures typically remain in place for up to six weeks.

During that time, allowable vehicle weights on rural municipal roads and secondary provincial highways will be reduced by 10 to 15 per cent.

The province says the restrictions help prevent damage to road surfaces and underlying infrastructure, which can soften as moisture increases during the spring thaw.

More information on affected highways can be found online.