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By paNOW Staff

Winter Weights program for commercial trucks postponed

Nov 19, 2020 | 12:33 PM

Due to the mild weather we’re receiving so far in November, the Ministry of Highways has postponed its Winter Weights program for commercial trucks and shippers.

Colder temperatures during the winter months help freeze and strengthen roads, allowing more weight to be transported on highways without damaging the road.

The Winter Weights program usually begins on Nov. 16 each year, but will be bumped back due to mild weather.

“When weather remains milder, the program is postponed,” Highways Minister Joe Hargrave said in a statement. “Without sufficient freezing, extra weight can damage pavement and the road beneath which can be costly and potentially dangerous.

With the program being postponed, that could lead to more trucks on highways at this time than in years past. Hargrave said the highways will be patrolled closely.

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“Highway traffic folks will be out there monitoring that,” Hargrave said. “If they see the heavy loads out there, they’ll be pulling them over and issuing the appropriate penalties.”

Shippers using secondary weight highways benefit the most because this allows efficient movement from secondary to primary weight highways. This is a significant benefit to the trucking community because it can result in fewer trips and cost savings for truckers.

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panews@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @jeff_paNOW