RIVERS, Man. – Spring thaw restrictions have been placed on some of Manitoba’s well-travelled RTAC routes, and the Manitoba Trucking Association (MTA) is afraid it’s a sign of things to come.

The two routes impacted are Hwy. 25 into Rivers, Man. and Hwy. 3 running into Melita.

“For two year-round RTAC routes to be placed under spring restriction is a very, very clear and definite indication of the deterioration that we’re experiencing to our roadways,” explains a very concerned Bob Dolyniuk, the MTA’s general manager.

“These two highways are a concern, but more importantly – if the lack of funding continues, I anticipate that we’re going to see more of the same activity.”

The restrictions will prove to be costly not only to trucking companies, but customers as well.

“We’ve calculated a minimum of an 18 per cent impact on payload,” says Dolyniuk.

“As much as everybody is screaming about the conditions of our infrastructure, we’re still not putting appropriate amounts into our highway infrastructure.” n