Every year around this time, motorists on Prince Edward Island are presented with a unique set of challenges on Island roads. As the weather warms, the frost thaws, and for a few weeks every spring, Island roads pay the price. There are more pot holes and more bad bumps. There is also more reason to pay attention and drive safely, for your sake, and for the sake of your vehicle.
“Winter has its own set of challenges, with reduced visibility and slippery road conditions,” says Minister of Transportation and Public Works Ron MacKinley. “But in the spring, when the frost comes out, drivers have to keep a close eye on the road to avoid damaging or even losing control of their vehicles.”
Every year around this time the department tries to reduce the amount of damage done to Island roads by implementing spring weight restrictions. These restrictions reduce the maximum load allowed per axle for larger trucks. Minister MacKinley expects these restrictions to come into place sometime in the next few weeks.
“Companies that transport heavy loads should be aware that weight restrictions will soon be put in place on the Island,” says Mackinley. “Given that, there should be an effort made soon to move heavy loads before those restrictions come in, because those restrictions could be in place for several weeks, and we will be fully enforcing them.”
The department will serve notice in local media in advance of the restrictions. Overweight permits will not be issued by the department during spring weight restrictions.