News release

Spring Road Weight Restrictions On Way

Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal (Oct. 2007 - Feb. 2021)

Spring weight restrictions will begin soon on many provincial roads in Nova Scotia.

The dates have not been set but, with warmer weather coming, it will begin in the next few weeks. Heavy commercial vehicles will not be allowed to travel on specified roads throughout the province. The restrictions help protect roads that are weakened by mild and wet weather during the spring thaw.

The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal monitors air and road temperatures and works closely with the trucking industry and Environment Canada to determine the best date to protect the province's roads.

"These restrictions have a significant impact on the trucking and forestry industries so we try to provide as much advance notice as possible," said Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal Minister Maurice Smith. "Before the restrictions begin is the time for companies that carry heavy loads on rural roads to get goods where they need to be."

The department monitors conditions throughout spring so roads can be opened or closed as needed. Although spring weight restrictions are not yet in effect, the province may restrict some roads to lower weights as needed.

As weight restrictions come into effect, they will be posted at http://novascotia.ca/tran/. Exempt roads will also be listed. Signs stating the weight limit will be posted at each end of restricted roads.