The Honourable Michael Currie, Minister of Transportation and Public Works, announced today the imposition of spring weight restrictions effective 12:01 a.m., Saturday, February 28, 1998. Forecasted mild and wet weather conditions over the next three to four days are expected to considerably weaken the highway system and in particular those roads not built to all weather standards. "The weight restrictions are required to reduce damage to the highway because of high water content of the subgrade and the associated loss of strength," noted Mr. Currie.
During spring weight restrictions, vehicles are permitted to carry their maximum permitted weights with no tolerances on the all weather highway network. On the remaining roads in the province, further weight restrictions apply as these roads were not originally built to carry the load that trucks are currently capable of carrying.
Mr. Currie also announced an increase in the maximum permissible weight on these non-all weather system of roads during the spring thaw period. "Vehicles will now be permitted to carry 75% of their maximum allowable weight on these roads during this period," stated Mr. Currie. Current rules allow commercial vehicles to carry 50% of their maximum allowable weight. This 75% rule is in line with maximums established for non-all weather roads in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick and will make it more cost effective for Island businesses to operate.
Spring weight restrictions are not usually imposed until the middle of March. "The mild weather this winter, combined with little frost in the ground has created a situation which leaves us with no choice but to impose the spring weight restrictions earlier than normal," noted Mr. Currie. In the event that temperatures become colder and highway subgrades firm up, the Department will consider the lifting of the weight restrictions.
Truckers should consult the local newspapers over the next few days to obtain further information on weight restriction requirements.