MarketsFarm — Warming temperatures and melting snow across Western Canada may cause some disruptions to grain and livestock movement over the next few weeks as seasonal spring road restrictions come into effect across the Prairies.
Annual spring road restrictions set axle weight limits for vehicles moving on certain roads, in an effort to reduce the damage heavier loads can cause during the spring thaw period.
Grain and equipment movement can both be affected by the spring road bans, as drivers may need to find alternate routes or haul smaller loads. The duration of the restrictions will depend on the local weather conditions, but typically last through April and into May.
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As winter approaches, the dry conditions and drought across much of the Canadian Prairies and the United States Plains will likely persist, said Drew Lerner, meteorologist with World Weather Inc. in Overland Park, Kan.
“At various times of the year, weight restrictions are put in place on some highways as a measure to prevent damage to the surface and roadbeds,” Saskatchewan Highways Minister Fred Bradshaw said in a release announcing the province’s road restrictions that came into effect on Tuesday.
“As the warmer weather rolls in, some roads can become susceptible to soft spots and surface cracks,” he added.
In Manitoba, spring road bans are set to come into effect on Friday across the province, according to an update from Manitoba Infrastructure.
The restrictions vary depending on the road, with level one restrictions consisting of 90 per cent of normal loading and 65 per cent of normal on level two affected roads.
Spring road restrictions went into effect across the southern half of Alberta on Monday, with other areas expected to be added to the list as the thaw progresses, according to Alberta Transportation.
— Phil Franz-Warkentin reports for MarketsFarm from Winnipeg.
