Spring breakup finally begins, delayed three weeks from usual

A rig moving east of Weyburn on March 23.

The 2023 spring road restrictions come into force in Saskatchewan on Friday, April 7, according to an April 5 press release from the Ministry of Highways.

The announcement came roughly three weeks after the usual announcement of spring breakup road bans. That typically occurs within a few days of March 15, either before or after. This year, it’s 23 days after March 15.

These restrictions are used by the province and rural municipalities to mitigate potential damage to our highway system.

“Weight restrictions prevent damage during spring thaw to pavement and the ground beneath the road,” Highways Minister Jeremy Cockrill said. “They reduce maintenance costs and enhance safety.”

The road bans reduce allowable weights on RM roads and secondary weight on provincial highways by 10 to 15 per cent and usually last about six weeks.

Typically, the road restrictions begin in March, once winter weights end on March 15. However, due to colder weather last month, restrictions were delayed, the ministry said.

With warmer temperatures and longer days coming, the 2023 restrictions will be province wide. In previous years, bans have been phased in by region because spring temperatures arrive sooner in the south.

The 2023 spring restrictions will remain in place for up to six weeks.

To check which highways are impacted, please visit saskatchewan.ca/trucking. Spring road bans will be posted under the “New Spring Order” link.

Information is also available by contacting the Highway Hotline at saskatchewan.ca/highwayhotline or by calling 511.

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