Due to milder weather conditions this winter, the Government of Saskatchewan has announced that the winter weights season will be postponed on all relevant secondary highways for the time being. 

Colder temperatures during Saskatchewan’s winter months assist in freezing and strengthening roads. This allows for added weight to be transported on the province’s highways without causing damage to the roads. 

Steve Shaheen, the senior communications consultant for the Saskatchewan Ministry of Highways, explained that although mid-November is typically when the winter weights would begin, it is entirely dependent on mother nature. 

“In the last few years, we've seen some milder temperatures in November, which has delayed the start of winter weights till the late part of November or early December,” he elaborated. 

The date being postponed will have the largest impact on truckers using secondary highways, as the winter weights can lead to fewer truckloads and money saved. 

Shaheen encouraged truckers to check for updates on a regular basis, adding that they will continue to analyze the roads on a regular basis. 

“We're constantly evaluating through a variety of methods, including temperatures at the surface and roadbeds,” he explained. 

Commercial truckers and shippers can check the status of roads regularly at saskatchewan.ca/truckingweights. 

Information can also be found by calling the hotline at 511, or the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Inquiry Line on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 1-866-933-5290.